Babies in the Workplace

formula, this aspect of baby programs can be a tremendous benefit for families.

Easier Bonding

Being able to take their babies to work means that parents can spend more time
with their child and thus forge a stronger bond. It is crucial for normal emotional
and physical development that a baby have extensive contact and interaction with one or both parents.

Jackie Hockaday said that it was really important to her that her second son was able to come to work with her. She said that she was not able to really bond with her first son since she had to return to work so soon, and that even though her second baby could only come to work until he was crawling, it was still useful bonding time. She also explained, "The great thing, as a working mom, is that you know your

baby is taken care of--I don't have to worry about someone else raising my kid."

   Mary Admasian said that one reason that Zutano has a baby program is that the company feels that:

   Because [many women are] often given
   only a six-week period to bond with our
   young children, it's really important as a
   nation and as a culture that we support our
   families in a way that is inclusive.

Better Financial Stability
and More Options

Being able to bring their babies to work makes mothers much more likely to return to their jobs. Single-income families these days often have to make large financial sacrifices so that one parent can stay home with the children, which can harm the stability of the family and the ability of parents to provide for their