12-18 months

working life

At this stage you may face some big decisions. You’ve devoted your time and energy to raising your little one and now may be considering returning to work and finding the right childcare arrangements

Some mums want to stay at home while others can’t wait to get back to work and enjoy some grown-up interaction and responsibility, not to mention contributing to the household finances.

Some mothers find returning to the workplace while their baby is still very young an emotional experience.

If you are undecided about whether to go back to work or not, try to be clear about your situation, aims and objectives, bearing in mind that no decision is everlasting or unchangeable.

If you’re considering returning to work, you’re in good company. The latest figures collected by Labour Market Trends show that two-thirds of women in employment while pregnant now return to work at the end of their maternity leave.

Half of all mothers with pre-school children now work, with one-third working full-time and two-thirds working part-time.

Many mums feel part-time work gives them a good balance, allowing them to keep their hand in at work while also giving them the chance to spend time with their family. However, it’s a personal matter and your child will thrive whatever your decision about returning to work.

If your parents are local and able to, they might like to get involved – it's reassuring to have a relative look after your little one

childcare choices

Consider the options available in your area. It’s best to plan ahead by at least six months as popular day nurseries may have waiting lists.

GRANDPARENTS It's reassuring to have a relative look after your little one. Many parents tend to go for a part time option with grandparents caring for the child for part of the week and the remaining time being covered by a local day nursery. WORKPLACE CRECHES A few big employers offer workplace crèches, which are good value for money and offer the benefit of enabling you to pop down to see your child during your lunch break. NANNIES A nanny in your own home or nanny-share with another family gives you childcare in a home environment – and it may be a cost-effective option if you’ve more than one child. For more information, visit www.childcare.co.ukCHILDMINDERS & NURSERIES Childminders and daycare nurseries are popular choices. Contact your local council’s Family Information Service (FIS) for details of Ofsted registered childminders and nurseries in your area.

Make a few visits before making your childcare choice – whether it’s to a day nursery, childminder’s home or inviting a nanny round for a couple of interviews. For more childcare advice visit direct.gov.uk/en/parents/childcare

It’s best to plan ahead by at least six
months as some popular day nurseries
have quite long waiting lists

returning to work

Financial support Your rights as a parent when returning to work can vary considerably. For the latest information on what you are entitled to by law,click here For other useful information about childcare and childcare support that you may be entitled to, including the latest on tax credits, child benefit and the child trust fund click here

Parental leave The parents of every child born on or after 15 December 1999 can now take up to 13 weeks of unpaid leave per parent per child, up until the child's fifth birthday. For more information click here Childcare vouchers Check if you or your partner’s employers subscribe to a childcare voucher scheme – not all employers do so. This government-backed scheme allows your employer to pay a portion of your monthly salary to you in childcare vouchers, which are not subject to tax. Speak to your HR Manager to find out if your employer is registered with the scheme and for details of how to apply. Check that your childcare provider of choice accepts payment by childcare voucher and is Ofsted registered.

For other useful information about childcare and childcare support that you may be entitled to visit click here.

Legally, you must give 21 days written notice before you plan to take parental leave

Try to get some time to yourself or with friends at least once a week. If you feel recharged you will be able to cope better

If you are bringing up baby (or a number of children) on your own, you may need extra support, physically, emotionally and financially.

Don’t be shy of asking for help from friends and family Make sure you are getting all the benefits you are able to claim. You may be able eligible for Income support, Child Maintenance, Child Maintenance Premium or Lone Parent Benefits Run On (this is available to certain lone parents who have been on Income Support and who start work after being out of work for 26 weeks or more. It means they get two weeks’ extra Income Support after they start the job). You can find further information about benefits for single parents by clicking here Try to get some time to yourself or with friends at least once a week. If you feel recharged you will be able to cope better. Gingerbread is a charity that works with and for single parent families on a local and national level. From arranging fun activities to helping you through your tax credit entitlements, you’ll find a wealth of advice, information and support – and the opportunity to meet other parents and families in your situation. Visit www.gingerbread.org.uk to find out more.

As a busy mum, you’ll be using your car regularly and may be dropping your little one off at childcare each day. It’s safest to leave your little one in a rearward-facing car seat for as long as possible. Don’t change to a forward-facing seat until she’s reached the minimum weight and can sit up unaided. Forget how old she is – the seat won’t provide maximum protection if she isn’t heavy enough for it.

At Mothercare we take car safety extremely seriously and offer a great range of car seats to ensure that your child is safe and secure in the car. Because cars come in all shapes and sizes, and there is no one seat that fits all cars, we offer a free Safe Fit service*.One of our trained fitting experts will check that the car seat you buy fits both your child and your car. They will also demonstrate how to fit your car seat safely. Once fitted, we will provide you with a comprehensive safety checklist, to make sure your child stays safe on every journey.

Maxi-Cosi Tobi Car Seat -
Black Reflection
Britax King -
Plus Jet To find a store near you offering the free Safe Fit service visit click here.

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