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December 16, 2025

5 Ways to Ease the Transition Back to Work (for You and Your Baby)

Megan Cavanaugh, Learning and Development Specialist

Heading back to work after having a baby?

For me and many other parents, this transition is a season filled with mixed emotions – excitement, guilt, relief, pride, exhaustion, and everything in between. The reality is that it’s not just about getting back into work mode – it’s also about helping your baby adjust to a new daily rhythm, new faces, and new routines.

I have a unique perspective on this transition. Having worked in childcare for almost ten years, I’ve seen firsthand how thoughtfully early childhood educators care for the babies and families who walk through our doors.

But now, stepping into this season as a mom myself, I see things from a whole new perspective. Even with all my insider knowledge – balancing work, childcare, and family life is still a major adjustment. There’s so much to learn, juggle, and process.

Here are five ways I’ve learned (and am still learning!) to make the transition smoother for both me and my baby.

1. Do a Soft Start — for Both of You

If possible, ease your baby into their new environment before your first full week back. Start with shorter visits or half-days so your baby can begin getting comfortable with their new caregivers and surroundings. If this is not an option, make sure to visit other places with your baby such as grandma’s house, the grocery store, or the library, so they can get comfortable outside of the home and see new faces!

My husband and I made sure to visit our Doodle Bugs! center the week before our baby’s first day. We met the teachers, dropped off a few items to make the transition easier, and took time to get to know the space. My husband especially appreciated this since he won’t be handling drop-offs and pick-ups as often. This helped him feel more connected and comfortable, too.

At home, practice some of the routines your baby will experience in the classroom – taking bottles from another caregiver, having naps in a different space (with lights on and some noise!), and matching feeding times to their new schedule. These small steps can help your baby adjust more smoothly.

Tip:

Send a comfort item like a family photo, a lovey, or favorite book. We brought in a family photo and shared her favorite songs that her teachers sing to her each day! We also send our daughter’s favorite blanket for extra comfort! This helps bridge the comfort of home into the classroom environment.

2. Plan Your Morning and Evening Routines — and Savor Them

After easing into our routine, the reality of the transition started to settle in – and so did the emotions. I’d sometimes tear up before drop-off or linger a little longer in the mornings just to soak up that extra time with her. What I’ve learned is that building small moments of connection into our predictable routine helps bring comfort and balance for both of us.

Try doing a few “trial runs” before your return to work to find your rhythm. Prep bottles, clothes, and bags the night before so mornings can be less rushed – leaving time for snuggles, nursing, or reading a quick story together before you head out.

In the evenings, focus on quality over quantity. Put your phone away for a few minutes and soak up that sweet baby giggle, bedtime routine, or quiet cuddle. Those small, consistent moments are what fill your cup – and your baby’s.

Tip:

If mornings feel hectic or extra emotional, try setting your alarm just 10 minutes earlier to slow down your goodbye routine. A calm, reassuring drop-off helps both you and your baby start the day with confidence.

3. Keep Communication Open

As someone who’s worked in childcare, I can tell you – your baby’s teachers want to know how to best support your family. They love building relationships just as much as they love caring for your little one.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions or share updates about how things are going at home. The two-way communication is what helps create consistency and build trust.

We’ve really appreciated the daily reports and pictures our teachers send to us from the day. Those little glimpses mean the world to us while we’re working and missing our baby. Seeing her smile, play, and learn gives us peace of mind and reminds us how loved and cared for she is.

When it comes to work, communicate there too. Talk to your supervisor about flexible schedules, pumping breaks, or gradual transitions if possible. My coworkers have been so supportive, which has made this transition so much easier. Their kindness and understanding make all the difference.

Tip:

Share details that can help your baby feel secure, such as their favorite books, hunger cues, bottle preferences, or comfort items. This helps teachers create a home away from home for your baby.

4. Ask for Help (Yes, Still!)

Just because your baby isn’t a newborn anymore doesn’t mean you should stop asking for support. This new chapter brings its own challenges – different, but just as real.

Let friends or family drop off a meal, fold some laundry, or entertain your baby so you can take a breath. Parenting and working full-time is a big shift, and it’s okay to lean on your community.

Don’t forget support isn’t just logistical – it’s emotional, too. Talking with other parents who have been there can make you feel seen and remind you that you’re not alone. I am lucky to have close friends and family members to lean on that have recently been in my shoes. I don’t know where I’d be without their advice and guidance.

Tip:

Keep a short list of tasks family or friends can help with. Things like grocery pickups, grabbing a coffee, walking the dog, or meal prep. That way, when someone asks, “What can I do?” you’ll have an answer ready.

5. Give Yourself Grace — and Celebrate the Love Surrounding Your Baby

This one might be the most important. No matter how much you plan, things will shift – and that’s okay. Babies grow and change constantly, and so will your routines, your emotions, and your handle on things.

Some mornings will go smoothly, others won’t. Some drop-offs will be tear-free, others will tug at your heart. Be flexible, let go of perfection, and remind yourself you are doing your best.

And here’s something beautiful – now, your baby has even more people in their world to love and celebrate them. Teachers, caregivers, coworkers cheering you and your baby on! A whole extra community of care! How amazing is that?

You don’t have to do it all perfectly. You just have to keep showing up, with love and intention, and that’s more than enough.

Tip:

Celebrate the small victories! The first happy drop-off, a full night’s sleep, or simply getting everyone out the door. Little moments of joy add up and remind you how far you’ve come.

In Closing

Returning to work after having a baby is a huge transition, but it’s also a beautiful opportunity to grow as a parent, a professional, and a person.

Take it one day at a time. Savor the sweet moments, accept the messy ones, and remember that both you and your baby are learning something new every single day.

You’ve got this! One drop-off, one deep breath, and one small victory at a time.