Back to work after baby? Practitioners share tips to make the transition easier

1) Plan your handover

• Share the “how” of your routine: nap cues, bottle timings, settling phrases, comforters, allergies.

• Create a simple settling plan: 2–4 short visits that build from stay-and-play to brief independent time with your child’s Key Person.

• Agree the goodbye script: short and consistent, “Hug, kiss, wave. I’ll be back after snack and play.”

2) Make mornings lighter

• Prep the night before: pack nursery/work bags, bottles, snacks; lay out outfits (including yours).

• Use a door checklist: keys • phone • pump kit • labelled spares • comforter • milk/lunch.

• Leave five minutes early: reduces cortisol for everyone and protects on-time drop-off.

3) Protect pumping/feeding & your body

• Block pump breaks in your calendar like meetings; keep a spare top and mini clean-up kit.

• Hydrate + snack: you’re fuelling two demanding roles.

• Talk to your manager early about a private space and storage; bring a small cool bag just in case.

4) Keep connection simple after work

• Snack & chat: one open question, “What made you smile today?”

• Two-song wind-down: cuddle, music, deep breaths.

• Story on repeat: the same book all week builds confidence and language.

5) Build learning into everyday life

• Early literacy: name what you’re doing (“wash, zip, pour”), play “I spy” with sounds/colours, label first letters on signs.

• Early maths: count steps, sort laundry by colour/size, make simple patterns at dinner (fork, spoon, fork, spoon).

• Five-minute play bursts beat long sessions—stop while it’s fun.

6) Expect and normalise big feelings

• Tears at drop-off are common and usually short-lived. We’ll comfort, distract with favourites, and update you once settled.

• If anxiety returns after illness/holidays, repeat a brief settling step and refresh your goodbye routine.

7) Coordinate the grown-ups

• Divide the load: who preps bags, who does drop-off/pick-up, who cooks. Swap weekly if it helps.

• Share the calendar: nursery events, appointments, work late nights, backups for collection.

8) Talk to your employer early

• Agree core hours that fit nursery times and your commute.

• Use status messages wisely: “Nursery pick-up back online 6:30pm.”

• Batch deep work to your best energy window; keep quick tasks for low-energy times.

9) When sleep is… not perfect

• Keep bedtime predictable (same order, same phrases).

• Protect your sleep where possible: earlier lights-out twice a week; prep in the evening to shorten mornings.

• Ask your Key Person to mirror soothing cues you use at home.

10) If your child needs extra support

• We can create a personalised transition plan (extra visits, visual timetables, social stories).

• Our SENDCo will coordinate strategies and professionals where needed. You’re not on your own.