Meteorologist mom brings her baby to work when childcare falls through—and it’s EVERYTHING

KVUE Chief Meteorologist and mama Erika Lopez found herself in a predicament many parents have been in—headed to work, despite childcare falling through, wondering what to do with her kid. So, Lopez threw on her Ergo Baby Carrier and brought her baby to work.

But this isn’t just any desk job — the meteorologist gave the 6 pm and 10 pm live forecasts while wearing her son, Odie, much to the delight of her coworkers and viewers alike. 

Lopez shared the story on her Instagram page saying that it was an “unofficial take your child to work day” because “life officially happens.” In her post, she thanks her co-workers for being supportive when she had to bring her son in unexpectedly.

And, OMG, get ready for the cutest newscast you’ve ever seen in your entire life.

Multiple fans commented how much they appreciated seeing more supportive workplaces.

One fan comments on her Instagram, “My hearrrtttt is exploding! This is so precious! #Supermama.”

Other commenters pointed to the flexible work culture, commending KVUE for allowing her to bring the baby. “Good job, mama! And yay for KVUE supporting you, too!” they wrote. 

Lopez involved her baby in the forecast, waving his hands around a bit while explaining the weather, and high-fiving a colleague for her ingenuity.

But it turns out the dilemma was deeper than just an isolated night without childcare. Just days later she posted on her Instagram profile that she’s quitting her job to stay home with her baby, posting a cozy picture of him in ocean pajamas laying in bed with her.

“Hey y’all! I’m terrible at goodbyes and dealing with emotional topics, so I’ll keep this short and sweet,” she writes. “…I have made this decision with full support from my husband and managers to allow me to focus on this cutie patootie of a baby, Odie. I’m beyond excited for this next chapter of my life and look forward to all of the exciting adventures ahead with my new little fam. Don’t know if this is forever but it’s what is best and will make me the happiest right now.” 

Her story is part of a wider conversation about women leaving the workforce in higher numbers since the pandemic, parents trying to balance work and life, and workplaces increasing their flexible practices for parent employees. While her broadcast was deemed completely adorable, moms labeled as #supermamas everywhere know that the lack of reliable childcare and mental load many parents endure can mean serious mental health ramifications. 

While advocates work to remedy these changes, it appears fans motion to have more babies along for the ride during meteorologist reports, whenever needed—cuteness overload.