Take Your Infant to Work Tips and Preparation

If you are one of those lucky individuals who has a take your infant to work program, here are some tips to make the process as stress free as possible - for you AND your coworkers.

1. Bring everything in before your first day at work. I know it seems like a drag to go into work while you are still technically on maternity leave. Take that extra time to cart all your supplies up to you work and arrange them so everything is where you need it. Your first day back will be stressful enough on both you and your baby. Aim to make that day as easy as possible.

2. Have a space where you can take the baby when they are having a crying fit. There is going to be a time when your baby will cry loudly and uncontrollably. This is a fact. Find a place where you can take the baby to calm them down so as not to disturb coworkers. Especially if your place of employment engages in a large amount of telephone communication.

3. Keep noisy toys to a minimum. Leave the loud obnoxious toys at home. If you must have a noise-maker, aim for toys that play soft lullabies instead.

4. Put it in writing. Most employers have some form of a contract that they will have you sign. If your employer doesn't, request one. Have them outline the steps that your coworkers will need to go through if they have a formal complaint. Pick two caregivers and have them sign in writing that they will act as a secondary caregiver in the event you have to attend a meeting and/or leave your desk for bathroom breaks.

5. If you have an office, invest in a jumper. If you are planning on having the baby at work when they are 5-6 months or later, plan to have something other than a bouncy chair to sit in. They will get bored with this quickly. I would recommend a jumper. Then they can see the action and entertain themselves.

6. Bring a spare set of clothes for yourself. You might even suggest it of your caregivers. You packed everything you could possibly need; diapers, wipes, pacifiers, bottles, burping rags, extra set of baby clothes, etc. You get to work and are burping the baby and the baby gives you a little spit up on your blouse in return. Make sure you have a spare set of clothes at work for these days. They will happen.

7. If you are breast feeding, establish some way to let others know you are unavailable at that time. If you have an office, close the door. However, if you have a cubicle, decide in advance where you will go and let others know you will be using that space.

8. Bring in an antiseptic hand cleanser. For use after changing diapers. Obviously if a huge mess is made, go wash your hands. This however can save some time after that occasional wet diaper.

9. Decide in advance the rules you are going to instill regarding your child. There will be some people wanting to come in at all times to pick them up. There may be some people who want to walk off with the baby back to their office. Set the foundation before the baby is there and it will help keepemployee relations cordial.

10.Baby furniture. I would recommend that you purchase one of those portable bassinets with the changing table over the side. It will be very helpful for those with limited amounts of space. I'd also recommend a few other things such as a stroller, vibrating chair, breastfeeding pillow (for those times when the baby needs to snuggle) and maybe a floor mat for when they are older to play on.

This is an exciting and stressful time for new mothers. I know its hard to believe how anyone could find fault in that little bundle of joy of yours. However there are some people in this world who just plain don't like babies. Remember to be courteous and conscientious of your coworkers at all times.