My first real job out of college was at NCCI a company that regulates compensation insurance. It was a large corporation and had a daycare center for it's employees on site. I was years away from having children so the issues of working mothers, babies and the workplace didn't concern me. I was more impressed with the onsite gym. When I finally had my first child, I wished that the company I worked for at that time had an onsite daycare center.

This morning on the Today show was a segment about babies and the workplace. It seems that a few companies have taken the concept to a whole new level. These companies actually allow their employees to bring their babies into the workplace. One scene showed a mother working at her desk while her baby sat on her lap. Another scene showed a baby sitting on the floor playing with toys. Pack n Plays, swings, changing tables etc. could be found throughout for the mothers' use. It looked like a regular daycare in these companies.

I can understand the pros of this new trend. It allows mothers to have a career and still bond with their children. Daycare cost will obviously be cut out. An executive from Working Woman said that some companies have even seen the morale on a whole improve by having babies in the workplace. It helps brighten up the mood.

My thoughts went to the cons. Liability I would think would be the biggest concern. Just imagine a baby getting hurt at the workplace. That's a sure lawsuit waiting to happen. How about the co-workers that find the babies an unpleasant distraction? I remember "Bring Your Kids to Work" Day at my former employer. Quite a few employees hated this day because they found all the noise and comotion to be very iritating. Another concern I would think would need to be addressed is how clients would view babies in the workplace. All the baby paraphenalia in the offices does take away from the professional appeal of the company. Lastly, I'm wondering how much work a mother can get done between changing diapers, feeding, burping and trying to get a baby to sleep? I know being a SAHM with a newborn has decreased my productivity at home. Laundry isn't put away as quickly anymore. Dishes stay in the sink longer. Food sometimes gets on the table later. Cleaning? Who has time for a good cleaning of the house with a newborn? I'm just happy if everyone gets fed, has clean clothes and goes to bed with a smile on their faces. I can't imagine being Mommy on the clock!