The Average Age of Baby When Mom Returns to Work

Returning to work is a requirement for many new moms. In fact, more than 25 percent of moms with children younger than age 1 go back to work after the baby is born, though the average age of baby can vary significantly depending on each mother's situation. The exact time you go back to your job is a personal decision between you and your partner. Knowing what other moms are doing might help you make the best decision for your growing family.

  1. Maternity Leave: It's the Law

    • Many new moms take a standard 12-week maternity leave and then go back to work for financial or personal reasons. According to the United States Department of Labor, you're entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave following the birth of your baby if your employer meets specific guidelines. If you stick to this length of time, your employer, if eligible, by law, has to give you back your original job or one that is equal in terms of hours, pay and responsibilities. After this time, your employer has no legal obligation to give you back your job, though many employers will work with you if you want to take an extended maternity leave. If you're like most moms, this means that your newborn will be about 3 months old when you return to work.

    Money Matters

    • If you're not gung-ho about returning to your job after your 12-week maternity leave, you're not alone. Many new moms take a leave of absence following the birth of their baby, but this is only possible if you don't absolutely need your job to survive. The cost of living forces many new moms to go back to work before they're ready, while other moms choose to return to work because they enjoy it in addition to the paycheck they receive. The average age of newborns in these instances varies. Some new moms can't afford to take more than a month off while other moms can go as long as six months to a year before they need to go back to work.

    Breastfeeding Barriers

    • Breastfeeding is a barrier that can influence how old your baby is before you go back to work. Mothers who are serious about breastfeeding for six months to a year might choose to take an extended leave so they can concentrate on this task without worrying about pumping milk at work. Though the law requires your employer to find you a clean and private place to pump, according to the United States Department of Labor, this isn't always enough to satisfy some new moms.

    More to Think About

    • If you're in a tight financial situation and aren't planning to take a full 12-week maternity leave, make sure your doctor gives you the approval to go back to work. You need to let your body heal before resuming your normal activities. Six weeks is the standard amount of healing time, according to the BabyCenter website. Consider how you and your partner feel about you going back to work. This will help you decide when the time is right. Don't be afraid, however, to change your decision if your original one isn't working for you. Many new moms take their maternity leave and then end up staying home while other moms plan to take an extended amount of time but find that they're ready to go back sooner than they expected.

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