When Should I Go Back to Work After Having a Baby?

If you're reading this, chances are you're wrestling with one of parenthood's toughest decisions: when to return to work after having your baby? 

Perhaps you're running through endless scenarios, or feeling guilty at the thought of leaving your little one. 

First, take a breath. 

This decision is huge, and whatever you're feeling right now is completely valid. 

There's no perfect answer that works for everyone, and that's exactly why this choice feels so heavy. 

What we can tell you is this: with the right support, preparation, and childcare partner, thousands of parents navigate this transition successfully every day. 

At Lucky Beans Childcare in South West London, we've walked alongside countless families through this very moment, and we'll be there right by your side too.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Decide

Before diving into logistics, it's worth pausing to really check in with yourself. 

This isn't just a practical decision - it's an emotional one that touches every part of your life.

How are you feeling emotionally? 

• Are you excited to return to adult conversation and your professional identity? 

• Anxious about separation? 

• Guilty about wanting to go back? 

• Perhaps all of the above at once? And a massive variation of other emotions.

Here's the truth: you can love your baby deeply and still miss your work. You can feel ready to return to work as a new mum and be absolutely terrified at the same time. 

These contradictions are normal. You are human afterall.

What are your family's needs? 

Consider both the practical and emotional sides for your family. 

• Financially, do you need to return to work, or is there flexibility? 

• What does your partner and family think and feel? 

• Beyond money, think about what kind of routine feels sustainable for your family. 

Some parents thrive with the structure work provides; others need more time at home to feel grounded.

What support systems do you have? 

Take stock of who's around you. 

• Do you have a supportive partner who can share drop-offs and pickups? 

• Are there friends and family nearby who can step in during emergencies?

• Is your workplace understanding about the challenges new parents face? 

The strength of your support network can significantly impact how smooth this transition feels.

What routines do you want to build with your baby before returning? 

Some parents want several months to establish feeding routines and sleep patterns. 

Others find that returning to work earlier, while still establishing those bonds, works for their family. 

Don't feel you have to suffer through money stress or career setbacks. If going back to work sooner would help, that's okay.

Give yourself permission to sit with these questions without rushing to answers. 

And remember - indecision isn't weakness. It's a sign you're taking this seriously and considering all angles, which is exactly what good parents do.

Exploring Childcare Options After Having a Baby

Once you've started thinking about your return, the next decision emerges: which childcare should we use?

We have put together a more in-depth article explaining the different types of childcare which you may be interested in taking a look at.

Choosing a nursery for your baby can feel even more daunting than deciding when to go back.

Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons for each options:

What Are Your Childcare Options?

Family help 

Pros	Cons
Can be emotionally easier	Can blur boundaries
More cost-effective	Create dependencies on individuals
	Lack social interaction with peers

Nannies 

Pros	Cons
One-on-one care in your home	Typically the most expensive option
Your baby doesn't need to leave the house	Finding the right fit can be challenging
They can be flexible around your schedule	Lack social interaction with peers
	Create dependencies on individuals

Childminders 

Pros	Cons
Offer home-based care in smaller groups	Availability can be inconsistent if the childminder is ill, or offer term times only
Create a family-like atmosphere	Relying on one person's approach to early years development
Usually more affordable than nannies
Provide some social interaction

Nurseries 

Pros	Cons
Provide care in a dedicated early years setting	Typically operate on set hours
Multiple qualified staff	May need to travel to location
Structured learning
Regular peer interaction

Why a Nursery Often Offers the Best Balance for New Parents

If you're going back to work after maternity leave, nursery childcare tends to offer the most comprehensive support for both you and your baby. 

Here's why so many working parents choose this option:

• Structure, safety, and routine are built into every day. Babies and toddlers genuinely thrive on predictability. At nursery, your little one will experience consistent meal times, nap schedules, and age-appropriate activities that support their development. You'll have peace of mind knowing exactly what's happening during the day.

• Social development starts early. Even tiny babies benefit from being around other children. They observe, learn social cues, and begin developing the skills they'll need as they grow. Watching your baby light up when they see their little friends at drop-off is a joy you might not have anticipated.

• Qualified early years educators make an enormous difference. Nursery staff aren't just supervising—they're trained professionals who understand infant development, attachment theory, and how to ease transitions. They've supported hundreds of families through this exact moment and know how to help both you and your baby adjust.

• Separation support from experienced staff can be a lifeline. The guilt many parents feel about returning to work is real and painful. Nursery staff understand this intimately. They'll reassure you, send updates throughout the day, and help you understand that your baby is not just coping—they're flourishing. That emotional support is as valuable as the childcare itself.

• Licensed and regulated care provides accountability and standards. All nurseries in England must meet strict Ofsted requirements for safety, hygiene, staff qualifications, and educational curriculum. You're not just trusting one person; you're trusting a regulated system with clear standards and regular inspections.

• Emotional reassurance that your child is learning and thriving, not just being looked after. There's a profound difference between childcare and early years education. At nursery, your baby is engaging with their environment, developing new skills, and being nurtured by people who are genuinely invested in their growth.

We have a more comprehensive article about the benefits of sending your child to nursery available here.

Why Lucky Beans Is a Great Choice for Working Parents in London

At Lucky Beans, we understand that choosing the right childcare isn't just about finding somewhere safe — it's about finding people who will love and nurture your child almost as much as you do. 

Here's what makes our nurseries in South West London special for parents returning to work:

Tailored settling-in plans for babies mean we never rush the process. Every child is different, so we work with you to create a gradual introduction that respects your baby's temperament and your comfort level. Some babies settle in days; others need weeks. We're led by your child, not a rigid schedule.

Friendly, qualified staff who are genuinely passionate about early years care. Our team members are trained not just in childcare, but in supporting families through transitions. They understand that when you drop off your baby, you're trusting us with your whole heart.

Strong communication with parents keeps you connected throughout the day. We provide daily updates about meals, naps, nappy changes, and activities. You'll receive photos of your little one playing, learning, and smiling. 

Warm, nurturing environment that reflects your home values. We believe childcare should feel like an extension of your family, not an institution. Our nurseries are designed to be cosy, stimulating, and welcoming places where babies feel secure and loved.

Strong testimonials from parents speak of the experience we provide. Parents who've been exactly where you are now have trusted us with their babies and found the transition far smoother than they feared. Many tell us that finding Lucky Beans was the piece that made returning to work feel possible.

We'd love to show you around. Book a visit to meet our team, see our spaces, and ask all the questions swirling in your mind. There's no pressure—just a chance to see if we feel like the right fit for your family. Get in touch today and let's start this conversation.

Tips for Making the Return Feel Less Overwhelming

Once you've decided when you're returning to work after maternity leave and where your baby will be cared for, you can take practical steps to ease the transition for everyone.

1. Start preparing four to six weeks ahead. This might feel overly cautious, but it makes an enormous difference. Establish bottle feeding if you're breastfeeding, and practice being apart from your baby for short periods. These gradual changes are much gentler than trying to do everything at once.

2. Practice your morning routine. Run through the entire sequence: getting yourself ready, preparing your baby, packing the nursery bag, and timing the journey. Do this several times before your actual start date so you know how long everything takes and can identify potential hiccups.

3. Visit the nursery with your baby before your first day back. Familiarise yourselves with the space, the staff, and the routine. Let your baby explore the rooms and play with the toys. This familiarity makes the first "real" drop-off far less daunting.

4. Use your Keeping in Touch (KIT) days wisely. These optional workdays during maternity leave let you ease back gradually, stay connected with colleagues, and rebuild your professional confidence. They're also a chance to practice the new routine in a lower-pressure setting.

5. Build in self-care and support. Line up practical support; a partner who can handle mornings, a friend who can listen when you're struggling. Schedule time for yourself, even if it's just twenty minutes with a cup of tea. You're navigating a major life change; you need and deserve support.

6. Set realistic expectations for yourself. You may not bounce back to your pre-baby productivity immediately, and that's completely fine. You might cry at your desk, forget important details, or feel exhausted for the first few weeks. This is normal. You're not "back to normal" - you're adjusting to a new normal, and that takes time.

The First Few Weeks Back: What to Expect

Let's be honest about what those first weeks might look like, because managing expectations helps enormously.

You'll feel a swirl of emotions. 

Relief at returning to adult conversation and intellectual challenge. Exhaustion from the juggle of everything. Guilt when you enjoy work or when you're distracted thinking about your baby. Pride in yourself for managing it all. Sometimes you'll feel all of these within the same hour, and that's okay.

Your baby will adjust - often faster than you. 

This is perhaps the hardest truth: babies are remarkably resilient. Your little one will likely settle into the nursery routine more quickly than you expect. They'll bond with their key person, enjoy the activities, and be genuinely happy. This is wonderful, even if it makes you feel slightly sad at times.

The right nursery will provide reassurance. 

When you're at work wondering if your baby cried all day, a text with a photo of them giggling during a messy play will settle your heart. Good nurseries, like Lucky Beans Childcare, understand that supporting parents emotionally is part of caring for the child.

Your bond won't weaken - it grows in new ways. 

The fear that your baby will love someone else more or forget you is common but unfounded. Your attachment will evolve and deepen. You'll savor your time together more intentionally. Your baby will learn that you always come back, which builds trust. Many parents find their relationship with their child becomes even richer when they're not together 24/7.

And remember: we're here to help. 

At Lucky Beans Childcare, supporting families through this milestone is what we do. 

If you need a friendly chat, reassurance, or just want to see if we might be the right fit for your family, get in touch. You don't have to figure this out alone.

You've got this, and we've got you.