Babies in the Workplace

People Tap Into Other
Side of Themselves

Having babies out in society gives people who otherwise don't see babies an opportunity to enjoy the calming and rejuvenating effect of them. Christine Bierman of Colt Safety explained that her company's customer base is industrial and male dominated. She said that she's found that the men are "the ones that comment on the babies." She said that many of their clients are firefighters, and that you normally might stereotype them as "tough guys." But, she said, "they're the softest softies in the world--the sweetest and most family oriented." She said she's been amazed many times to "see this whole other side of them."

Jackie Hockaday explained that "even the biggest, burliest guys will start babytalking and grabbing baby cheeks. It's just a nice feeling--a family feeling."

Lets Other People Experience Joy of Babies

     Kerry Olson said that there is no shortage of people at the North Dakota Department of Health to help parents out. He said that, often,

   People taking breaks will offer to take the
   baby for a ride in the stroller. It gives the
   baby a little room and gives mom some free
   time.

   Courtney Layton of Austin, Texas, said that having babies in the workplace is useful for exposing non-parents to the fun of having children. She said:

   For those who hadn't considered having
   children or who had never spent much time
   around them, having the babies in the
   workplace was often eye-opening and
   inspiring.