Preparing Baby for a Full-Time Sitter

By Rebecca Geiger for Your Baby Today

Like it or not, it's time. You've used up nearly every hour of precious maternity leave, and are now poised to return to work. You've even hired a full-time sitter to come to your home. All that remains is to break the news to the baby. Sure. Right.

Actually, leaving your baby with a sitter doesn't have to be an overwhelming adaption for you or her. Consider the following tactics for making a smooth transition:

• Before the sitter even walks through your door, experts recommend getting your child used to your being away. Start with relatively short periods of time -- 15 minutes or so -- and slowly work up to longer intervals. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), for a child seven months or younger, it may be particularly difficult for him to adjust since he's dealing with issues of separation anxiety. That's why it's best to let your child get to know the new person while you're there. Initially, if possible, you should be present the entire day, gradually reducing your presence over one to two weeks.
• Make the first encounter with the sitter a positive one. When you're ready for the first meeting between baby and caregiver, the AAP recommends holding your child in your lap while talking with the sitter. This gives the sitter a chance to make eye contact with him. The sitter can start talking with your little one while you're still holding him, but she shouldn't try to touch him yet. If he seems at ease, put him down in front of you (along with a favorite toy), and let the sitter come closer and start playing with the toy. As your baby gets more and more comfortable, you can start backing away. Try leaving the room, and if he continues to play happily, then it's going well.
• Once you're ready to head back to the office, consider starting on a Wednesday, rather than a Monday, so that your first week apart won't seem so long.
• Try not to let your child pick up any apprehension that you may be feeling about being separated from her since that might make her anxious, too. For instance, don't make a big deal about the time you'll be away by drawing out a long good-bye. Act naturally to help your baby relax, and she'll soon figure out that there's no need to worry since you'll be back.
• It's not uncommon for your baby to be clingy or withdrawn for the first few days of your returning to work. This stage typically doesn't last beyond two weeks. Babies and young kids often adapt to new situations much better than adults, and the AAP notes that infants usually adjust well with a consistent child care worker in almost any setting.
• If your work situation allows for it, call home a few times a day, and let the nanny hold the phone to your baby's ear. You can also record your voice reading a story or singing a song. And if you work fairly close to home, have the sitter bring the baby by for weekly lunch dates so you can enjoy her company.

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