Going back to work after having a baby is a trying time. You’ll feel worried. You’ll feel guilty. You’ll feel as though you don’t know what to do. However, it can be exactly the right decision for some parents, and it is entirely possible to have a wonderful career and be an excellent dad as well. Here are some ways to meet the challenges of those first few weeks, and beyond.

Make Sure Your Partner Is Involved

When you get home from work you’ll be tired, and you’ll want to spend as much time as possible with your baby, but be careful not to do all the work yourself. Involve your partner as much as possible so that you are both able and willing to take care of your little one. Sharing parenting duties is good for the baby as well, as they won’t then become too attached to just one parent, and that means that separation anxiety is much less likely. Make a plan so that each parent knows what their jobs are – that way you won’t be coming home from a hard day at work to find that nothing has been done. If everyone knows what is expected of them, it will be much easier.

Find Childcare Early

If you and your partner are both at work, or if you’re a single parent, having good, reliable childcare is something you won’t be able to manage without. As soon as you know when you are going back to work, you should start looking into childcare providers and the different types available to you. There will be nannies who will look after your child at home or nurseries that you can drop your child off in on the way to work. Alternatively, you might inquire as to whether your workplace has a creche, or even if you can bring your baby into the office with you. If so, a baby swing could be a worthwhile investment to keep them happy and occupied. Check out Parent Guide for details of the best baby swings to buy. It’s important to find out about this as soon as possible and to make the right arrangements. You’ll also need to budget for childcare.

Don’t Feel Guilty

Many parents will feel guilty about leaving their child somewhere or with someone else while they go to work. There is no need to feel like this (although it can be hard not to). It’s important that you have your career as well as be a great parent, and it’s entirely possible to do both. If choosing to work is the best thing for you, and if it makes you happy then there is no issue, and no problem with it. You are not shortchanging yourself or your child if it brings you contentment.

Keep Work At Work

When you’re are work, you’re at work. When you’re at home, you’re at home. Unless you also work from home, the two things do need to be kept separate from one another. Your children will appreciate their time with you much more if you are not worried about checking emails or answering calls from your boss or clients. Even if you do work from home, it’s best to keep things as separate as possible to maintain a good work-life balance.