Babies in the Workplace

better what their needs are, and feel more comfortable around them.

Mothers (and fathers) who develop comfort and ease with babies from being exposed to them in the workplace are thus more likely to be at ease and more comfortable when they have their own children. These babies will thus be less stressed and less fussy, which makes everyone happier. And, of course, not having to separate from her baby tends to make for a less-stressed-out mother, too, which also helps minimize the baby stress effect.

Baby-to-work programs are also likely to lead to improved parenting. Often, the best way for a new parent to learn effective methods of keeping babies happy is to watch another person playing with the baby. Baby-to-work programs give
parents the opportunity to learn, in an informal way, the techniques that their

coworkers use to interact with and entertain babies. These programs also encourage coworkers to discuss parenting issues, which will lead to more informed decisions by current and prospective parents. Being out in society with their babies gives parents more opportunities to learn how to make their lives and their babies' lives easier.

   Debbie Butler of Valley Credit Union commented that a baby-to-work program is beneficial because:

   It gives people who don't have children the
   opportunity to see how you can interact and
   have a job and have children. A lot of times
   [other people in the office] think, "no way
   could I ever have kids."

   She said that, after coworkers see parents successfully taking care of a baby while working, they "find that you can actually have a life and have children."