Babies in the office on BBC2

[CamelKnees]

Does anyone else think this is a bit crackers?

I've got a gorgeous DD aged 2. I would get literally nothing done if I tried to simultaneously look after her and work at my desk. I also don't really see how it's much fun for the babies.

Would be interested to hear others' points of view.

It's crazy. Surely the best option would be to have decent subsidised crèches in workplaces rather than having a s reaming baby and tantruming toddler on your lap while you're on the phone.
The childless people in the office must be hating it! And how would you feel if there was a mum sitting next to you, doing the same job as you for the same money but spending half the day focussing on the child.
I love the idea of it, but can't see it working, financially or practically

Have recently been round nurseries booking DD's place. They do activity followed by activity to keep them occupied. These kids aren't getting anything like that.

I know not every workplace can afford to run a creche, but surely even if the big employers could it would be a help? I would also love it.

The more I think about this the more I think it makes me a bit cross. It almost suggests that looking after a baby is purely about your physical presence. As in "you can do your proper job and take your baby with you because only the former is a proper job"

I think that babies can work but agree toddlers wouldn't work. I think it is more useful in the US where there is not the maternity leave requiremnets they have here.

Look, these US schemes only run up to 6 months. That's a very different kettle of fish!

That Maine yarns place had a toddler...

Sorry, missed that part! How did that work?

Camel, yes, I think you're right. Babies are emotionally and physically demanding. That woman who took her baby to work at 2 days old! I barely knew which end of me was up when DD was 2 days old - in fact, I was still in hospital after a CS. And if you're getting up with a baby in the night then you just aren't going to be as capable and productive at work, even leaving out any other factors. Maternity leave is recognised in this country for a reason - babies are very hard work!

Have just watched this. I think it completely depends on the job and the child. My DS would have been thperfect child for this sort of thing as he was so docile and quiet, my DDs would have not made it through the first hour without a boredom related meltdown.

Once I had DD2 I had started my own business so did have to take her to work with me or work from home with her. Up until they can walk its ok. After that you're doing more harm than god to you both. It increases stress levels a ridiculous amount and makes everything more complicated. What about those of us who have jobs where things happen and you need to stay late or rush off to another site/meeting. It's just too inflexible, the kids do settle in to it but in a large company, working in such close proximity it's impractical and a waste of time. A subsidised crèche is much better, although I suppose they see this as cheaper.

I just watched both episodes back-to-back and I was surprised they decided to keep babies in the office up to a year. Up to six months - sure if the mums are up to it - but a year? DS1 walked at 10 months and both my boys are so feisty I can't imagine them sitting quietly for longer than an hour. Being ignored by my desk for an 8-hour shift? Forget it! But respect to Shellon - she had a very chilled out baby - but she made it look easy. I guess after six kids you have it licked!

Its like the Brittas Empire-when the receptionist kept her kid in a drawer!

Can't see it working with babies over 6 months - any mobility means danger in the workplace. The number of times I smashed my leg on someones open draw let alone a tot at the perfect height for a desk corner in the eye. I can't imagine many employers considering this in case they are sued! Thought the play pen the guy used was an essential if you actually wanted to concentrate on the job in hand rather than keeping an eye out for your child.

I dont think its very fair on the children either TBH.

I know I wouldnt have got any work done if DD was there.

Had quite a chat at work today about this, I'd mentioned the first episode in ur morning meeting and turned out everyone (there's only 10 of us) watched the second.

I had thought it was very impractical and agree a subsidised crèche would be better, however based on our size of business and the size of our office (open plan studio, about the size of a triple garage) a crèche wouldn't suit.

It's my business, well share it with a partner and about 50% of staff have children, most of whom are still at nursery. I'm considering trialling something as a result of watching the scheme.

I'm thinking of putting a limit on it though so maybe up to 3 days per week you can bring a child in as that would allow for meetings/later days/ busier tasks but still provide the benefits. I'm getting someone to look into the insurance/health and safety side of it. We've agreed to discuss it next Tuesday so we all have time to think about it. I do want to do something about the child are issue so I'm quite excited.

Oooh, how exciting, Ruby! What will you do about the toddler entertainment issue? Kudos to you for being willing to try.

See Turtles that's something I think will need discussion. I'm not sure if it's worthwhile doing if we put a limit of say 18months on it, I don't know if people would just feel they might as well have them a nursery full time?

It was mentioned today about hiring a nanny/childminder type person to come in and support in the looking after of them. But I'm not sure about the legal side of that in regards to ratios etc and also from a business point of view I'm a bit I think it could work as could be someone to take them out to the park, deal with any tantrums etc but again does have its downsides.

As we're open plan, small, and quite wireless I do think we could cope with littles running about but it's the distraction side I'm not too keen on. We do have a tv, a sofa area and room for a playpen by each desk but again it's a tricky topic and depends on what the parenting style is and the child.

Ive raised all these points and a few more in a sort of broad way today and hopefully when we meet and discuss it we can come up with ideas. I don't think realistically we can trial until after the Olympics as have lots of change in hours and transport issues so wouldn't be a fair test.

I'm quite interested in it, although probably less so than partner but she does have a young child.

it made me wonder about all the electronics around them and florescent lighting and lack of fresh air....none of that can be a good environment surely???

the bit of footage showed in the US that each mother had a screened or separate room from the main other staff and alot more space for their children to move around, etc..
..here the poor little things had mum/buddy knee's or prams parked at the side of the desk....the only separate area was for bf and changing nappies....crap arrangements...won't work...mega stress and totally unfair situation for mum and child

I still have the 2nd prog to watch yet...seems all unrealistic and horrible they way it's been tried so far....a creche/nursery within the work place would work though....this is prob the best way forward for companies to embrace and help pay for

I watched this on iPlayer last night. It was a rubbish environment for the children. I think the fact that businesses need to consider doing this at all says there is something seriously wrong with the current set up.

I agree, Shitemum - and it's sad we have to look to America, a country where there is bugger all help with childcare, for ideas. This programme just goes to show how ridiculous the situation has become and how little choice is offered to mums who want/need to work.