Cuddlers

Your First Week Back at Work After Baby — A Survival Guide Returning to work after having a baby is one of those life transitions that feels exciting, emotional, overwhelming, and joyful — often all at once. Even if you’re eager to get back into your routine, the first week back can be a real juggling act as you reconnect with your job and help your little one adjust to a new rhythm. One of the biggest concerns parents face is how to manage feeding while building a work-life rhythm that works for their family. Whether you’re expressing breastmilk, learning a bottle routine, or building a feeding schedule around daycare or caregiver support, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s a practical guide to help you feel confident and calm through your first week back at work, including tips from experienced parents and a look at tools that can support your journey. 1. Build a Feeding Plan Before Your Return The sooner you start preparing, the more confident you’ll feel. A couple of weeks before returning to work: Talk with your partner or caregiver about how feeding will work while you’re away. Who will warm or prepare feeds? Where will bottles be stored? Clear plans remove guesswork. Experiment with a bottle or pump schedule at home so baby gets familiar with it before your first workday. Start with one bottle a day from someone else so your baby learns to accept a different feeder. Set expectations with your employer about breaks for expressing milk, if that’s part of your plan. By having a structure (even a flexible one), you’ll feel more in control and less rushed on that first Monday morning back. 2. Establish a Morning Routine That Works for You School runs and daycare drop-offs are no joke — adding a feeding routine shifts everything. A few helpful tips: Pack anything you might need — bottles, expressed milk, burp cloths, snacks, change of clothes — the night before. Wake up a little earlier for a peaceful morning feed with your baby before the day begins. Set up a smooth, private space for expressing at work if you plan to do so — full privacy, clean area, and your pump gear ready. A calm morning sets the tone for the whole day. 3. Feed on Your Schedule, Not the Clock Babies’ needs change often, especially in those early months. Rather than sticking rigidly to the clock, observe your baby’s cues: If you’re expressing milk, try to time pumps with when baby feeds at home so your supply stays settled. If your baby is bottle-feeding while you’re at work, share their usual rhythm with the caregiver but keep it flexible — a calm caregiver is a good one! Don’t worry if the rhythm shifts during your first week; babies are resilient and adjust quickly. 4. Practice Expressing at Work Ahead of Time For many moms, pumping at work is new or awkward at first. These small things help: Practice a few pumping sessions before your first day back so your body settles into a rhythm. Pack a small cooler or storage bags for milk. Bring a quick checklist for your pumping gear — it’s easy to forget small pieces when you’re juggling everything, or look into the Difrax Hands-free Breast Pump makes pumping on the go easy and discreet. Plan breaks into your calendar so they’re as non-negotiable as meetings. 5. Get Help from Caregivers or Daycare Early If someone else will be feeding your baby while you work, communication is essential: Share written instructions about the flow you prefer — holding position, pacing, soothing tips your baby loves. Do a short in-person run-through before your first workday so your caregiver feels confident. Having a familiar helper involved in feeding reduces stress for both you and your baby. 6. Be Kind to Yourself — You’re Doing a Lot Returning to work after maternity leave is a season of adjustment, not perfection. Expect emotions — both happy and tender — and allow yourself grace. A few reminders: Babies sense calm; your confidence helps soothe them too. Sleep may be disrupted; rest when you can. Some days feel harder than others — that’s normal. This transition is work — and you’re doing it with heart. Product Support: How the Mammafeel Bottle Can Help For parents navigating a feeding rhythm that now includes a caregiver or daycare, finding a bottle your baby accepts can make all the difference. The Difrax LOVI Mammafeel Bottle (available in 150 ml and 250 ml) is designed to feel familiar and comfortable for little ones. Its soft silicone shape and dynamic flow create a feeding experience that mimics a natural feel, helping babies transition between breast and bottle — especially helpful during your first week back at work. A bottle that feels close to familiar can take some of the stress out of feeding routines, letting you focus on building calm, loving rhythms that work for your family.  Difrax is a leading Dutch brand, founded in 1967, and the market leader in baby bottles and pacifiers across the Benelux. For over five decades, they’ve set the standard in innovative, medically supported feeding and soothing solutions trusted by millions of families.

Creating healthier sleep habits for your little ones doesn’t require perfection - just small, consistent choices that support calm, connection, and predictable rhythms. Here’s what the research (and parents everywhere) tell us about how to make bedtime smoother and more restorative for everyone.

Becoming a parent is one of lifeʼs biggest transitions. Between the sleepless nights, endless feeds, and new routines, itʼs easy to feel overwhelmed. The truth is - no parent has it all figured out. Parenthood is a journey full of learning curves, small victories, and moments that test your patience as much as they expand your heart. The early days especially can feel like a blur, but remember: you donʼt need to be perfect, you just need to be present. Here are three gentle reminders for new parents to help ease the load and remind you that youʼre not alone. 1. Lower the Bar (and let go of Perfect) Itʼs natural to want everything just right for your baby, but perfection isnʼt the goal - presence is. The laundry might pile up, meals might be takeout more often than youʼd like, and the dishwasher might not get emptied, but thatʼs okay. Babies donʼt need a perfect home, they need a present parent. Focus on the essentials: feeding your baby, resting when you can, and leaning into the little moments that matter most. Remember, the messy parts are part of the story too. One day youʼll look back and realise these imperfect moments were where the most love lived. 2. Create Small, Soothing Routines Babies thrive on consistency, and so do parents. Simple routines - like a short bedtime ritual with a soft glow from a night light, a favourite lullaby, or a calming morning feed in the same chair - can help bring structure to otherwise unpredictable days. These small rhythms create security for your baby and a sense of calm for you. And the truth is, routines donʼt have to be elaborate - sometimes itʼs as simple as singing the same song before naps or using a comforter toy as a signal for sleep. These little anchors throughout the day can make both you and your baby feel more grounded, even when everything else feels new. 3. Ask for (and Accept) Help You donʼt need to do it all alone. Parenthood was never meant to be a solo job. Heard of the saying “It takes a village”? Whether itʼs letting a friend drop off dinner, asking your partner to take over for a nap, or leaning on tools and products that lighten the load, support is essential. Accepting help doesnʼt make you less capable - it makes you human. The truth is, taking care of yourself is also taking care of your baby. When youʼre rested, nourished, and supported, you have more to give. Remember: itʼs not a sign of weakness to need help, itʼs a sign of strength to accept it. Parenthood isnʼt about getting everything right, itʼs about showing up with love (and a little patience) each day. Be kind to yourself - youʼre learning, growing, and doing better than you think. The days might feel long, but the months fly by, and soon enough youʼll realise how far youʼve come. These early days are messy, emotional, exhausting - and completely magical in their own way. Take it one step at a time, soak in the little moments, and remember: youʼve got this.

At Sprout, we believe that the products in your home should do more than just "do the job.” They should make life easier, feel good to use, and look beautiful while doing it. That’s why we’re proud to be the exclusive South African distributor of Flow Amsterdam, a brand that brings together soothing functionality and thoughtful Dutch design. Flow Amsterdam is made for those moments that matter most. Bedtime, naptime, playtime, wind-down time - each product is designed to help little ones feel safe, soothed, and seen. We’ve just launched with two of their most loved essentials, with more on the way soon. Moby Night Light A whale-shaped nightlight that brings calm to bedtime routines. Crafted from soft-touch, BPA-free silicone, Moby is safe for little hands and offers a gentle glow with two brightness settings. Tap to adjust the light, or let it fade off on its own with the built-in timer. Rechargeable, portable, and toddler-proof. R950  🛒  Shop Moby Night Light → George Heartbeat Comforter More than just a cuddly toy, George plays soothing sounds - white noise, gentle breathing, and a comforting heartbeat - to help your baby settle and sleep longer. With a smart cry sensor, George reactivates soothing sounds when your little one stirs. Sleep support that feels like a hug. R1,175  🛒  Shop George Comforter →   Why We Love Flow Amsterdam: From form to function, these products fit seamlessly into modern homes and parenting routines. Designed in the Netherlands, Flow Amsterdam's collection is built around comfort, safety, and emotional connection - with clever features that actually make a difference. Shop Flow Amsterdam →Explore Our Sleep Edit →Join our Parent Panel and be first to test our what lands next. Did you know, all orders over R450 enjoy free delivery? If you have any questions about our range or if you're interested in becoming a stockist, connect with us here.