Bounty feature

Minding the Baby

Deciding whether to return to work
You may find that this is a time for considering your future. The prospect of returning to work may not be as simple once your baby is in your arms. Equally, you might find that the reality of being back at work is easier than you thought it would be. But remember that whatever decision you make, you can change your mind. See ‘Going back to work’ for a reminder of your own and your employer’s rights and obligations if you are going back to work.

Childcare choices
Making your mind up about childcare means thinking about what each choice has to offer you. Below is a round up of their main features.

All settings have plus and minus points, and some of these will be more important to you than others. Remember to keep an open mind. You may decide in advance that a childminder is by far the best choice for you, but visit local nurseries as well in case you - or the childminder - changes your mind.

Adjusting to childcare
You know your baby well by now; better than anybody else, in fact. So how do you feel when you leave him with someone else, perhaps someone that you have only met once or twice?

It’s very important that you leave your baby somewhere that you feel very positive about. If you have any doubts, then you won’t be able to concentrate on your work, and your baby will sense your worry and feel unsettled, too.

Once you know that your baby is in the right place, you will both be able to adjust to your separation and get used to it quickly. Make the transition as easy as possible by taking it slowly and following these guidelines:

• make sure your baby is familiar and happy with his new surroundings before leaving him for any length of time
• try to arrange a gradual return to work with your employer
• try to arrange a gradual return to work with your employer
• make time to talk to your childcarer during those early weeks. Do this by arriving early at the end of the day, rather than expecting her to talk to you after you should have taken your baby home
• spend lots of time with your baby in the evenings and weekends
• make sure that your baby goes to his childcare setting with items that he will associate with home: a blanket from his cot; a dummy; a favourite toy. This will make him feel more secure
• get clothes and bags ready the night before, so that you don’t have to rush in the morning.

If you’re returning to work just as your baby is going through a very clingy phase, see ‘It has to be you…’ for ways to cope.

Tax Credits
Some of the costs of your childcare may be refunded, if you are a lone parent or on a low income. The amount will vary according to your circumstances.

For more information, call the Working Tax Credit and Child
Tax Credit helpline on 0845 300 3900, or log on to www.taxcredits.inland revenue.gov.uk

Choosing care
Bear these points in mind when you are choosing childcare:

• do the children there seem happy?
• do the carers seem calm and kind?
• do you agree about things like food, sleep and discipline?
• is the setting safe?
• is it registered?

Childminders and nurseries must be registered. Contact your local Children’s Information Service for details of registered childcare in your area. Call Childcare Link 08000 96 02 96 or log on to www.childcarelink.gov.uk.

For the next You and your growing baby guide Chapter, Teething, Click here