Once your baby arrives and you're ready to go back to work, you'll feel a mix of emotions at the prospect of being separated from your child for several hours a day. However, if you've done all of your homework beforehand, you can also feel a strong sense of relief that you've made the best possible choice. Now all you need to do is follow your child-care plan — and find ways to stay connected despite the fact that you are at work.

The best way to remain involved in your child's daycare experience is to stay connected. Set weekly or monthly “in-touch” meetings with your childcare provider to ask questions and discuss your child's progress. Drop in when you can for parties or special events. If getting time away from work is an issue, offer to set up a blog, chat room, or online group where you and your child-care provider can stay in contact throughout the day. Or simply offer to donate snacks, hand sanitizer, or disinfectant for toy clean-up days.

With a little effort on your part, you can stay connected to your baby in the most important way of all — ensuring a safe, healthy, and loving “village” of care.