It Takes an Office to Raise a Child

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

04 Apr 2008 04:28 AM

. It used to be that if you had a baby, you stayed home. Or you put the child in day care. Or you hired a nanny. You did not however, bring the baby to work.

All of that is changing now in recent years. In the late 80's and early 90's, we began to see a rise in corporate day care facilities. It became the best of both worlds where mom (or dad) would bring the baby to work and drop their baby off at the company day care. But now there is a new trend on the horizon: the baby friendly office.

Pro's

In 2006, 26% of companies allowed new moms (and dads) to bring in their newborn babies. A recent survey showed that it's up to 29% of offices that have some type of newborn "baby friendly" policy.

Workers who have brought their babies to work with them say that it makes them very loyal employees. Companies who have created policies for newborns to come to work with their parent, say that it allows them to retain senior personnel, and reduces the loss that companies sometimes experience when a mom has to leave to take care of her baby. Generally, the office allows an infant to come until the baby is mobile. Sometimes workers are given their own office. Workers usually have to log hours actually worked and are not paid for time spent caring for the baby. But in companies where a policy like this is being implemented and is working, moms and employers both say that it is a life saver.

Con's

However, this is still pretty controversial. Critics point to numerous negatives including what is best for the child. Many critics feel that the office is probably not the best place for the child to interact.

Secondly, it creates liabilities for the company. Many parents have to sign a liability waiver in order to bring their baby to work. Some say too, that it tends to create resentment among co-workers and perpetuates an image of the "coddled working mom."

Then there's the obvious issue of distraction. It is a distraction to have a baby in an office--both for the parent and the other co-workers.

Personally, I don't think I could do it. I am fortunate to be able to work from home. However, I have a secret to share with you. I get up at 5 am every morning to write. The reason? I can't think clearly, spell correctly, or put coherent thoughts together once the first child gets up. It's too. . .distracting.

Related Articles:

Is Going Back to Work Really Worth It?

When the Baby Cries at Day Care

Back to Work: To Go or Not To Go?

Can You Afford to Go Back to Work?

Valorie Delp shares recipes and kitchen tips in the food blog, solves breastfeeding problems, shares parenting tips, and current research in the baby blog, and insight, resources and ideas as a regular guest blogger in the homeschooling blog. To read more articles by Valorie Delp, click here.

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Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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Beckard (151) 04 Feb 2009 07:21 PM

While I think this is a great attempt by companies to boost their employee satisfaction, I do question whether or not this is good for the parent or the child. My biggest concern would be that while at work the parent must obviously pay attention to the baby, but is it enough attention considering the work that the parent must complete? Also, does it add extra stress to the mother/father who must deal with the stresses of work in addition to the demands of the child. While it would be very nice to have the luxury of bringing your child to work, I worry that because of the environment, it may be difficult for the parent to do adequate work while paying full attention to a newborn.

Valorie Delp (49340) 05 Feb 2009 05:02 AM

I think it really depends on the type of work and the needs of a baby. And also, they aren't generally bringing newborns but rather babies who are a little older. I'm assuming you're not a mom? But we moms are capable of a pretty heft amount of multi tasking!