For those of us who are parents, we want to spend as much time with our children as possible. But sometimes, due to economic issues, family situations, or professional obligations, it isn’t always possible. It’s during those times that we need to find a child care center we can trust. Trust becomes even more important when we’re looking for daycare for our baby.
Every child is unique, and every parent has particular needs and desires when it comes to a daycare. But an older child can express their opinions and have some degree of autonomy. With babies, their vulnerability means that many parents have a little extra anxiety that they’re choosing the right provider. It’s not easy, but it gets easier. Read on for a few helpful recommendations to help make the daycare transition easier for your baby.
Visit Early On
During a regular day for you, go to the daycare with your baby and spend a little time there. Let the teachers hold your baby and show him or her that nothing bad is going to happen. If you can find toys at the daycare that you know your baby will be interested in, you can also use those as a fun distraction.
Test Run
After you’ve committed to a particular provider, try a trial run. Pack up everything the baby needs, go to daycare, and drop them off for a short period of time like an hour. If possible, don’t drop off during regular meal times or nap times. Instead, pick times when they’re well-rested and in a relatively good mood. They will learn that they can have fun and that you’ll always come back.
Comfort Object
Comfort ObjectSome children pick a blanket, stuffed animal, or another beloved object that goes everywhere. If your baby has this habit, make sure their special thing comes to daycare with them. If they don’t, you can give them a blanket or soft toy a few days before daycare begins. Your smell on the toy will be comforting, and having something to snuggle with is always good.
Consistent Schedule
It’s not always possible for a child care provider to keep a baby on the same nap schedule they have at home, but it’s definitely worth trying. Just like older kids, routines can be very reassuring for babies. While this might not necessarily work, it’s worth trying. This tip is geared more towards older babies. Take a little time to explain to them that they are going to have fun at daycare for a few hours and that you or your partner will absolutely be back to pick them up. Don’t worry, your baby probably won’t understand exactly what you’re saying, but they should get the gist of it. It’s also a good way to be sure that nothing comes across as underhanded or dishonest to them.
Start Small
If your schedule permits, a wise move is to start off slowly. Instead of jumping into a 5 days straight schedule, start off with a couple of half days, then gradually increase it from there. A slow and steady increase can make the entire experience less overwhelming and easier for your baby to get used to.
Yellow Brick Road is here to provide quality child care for you little one. Using the Gold Curriculum, our staff compassionately and intentionally works with each individual child to ensure they progress in their own unique way. Our team is dedicated to providing the best child care available in the Plymouth and Minnetonka area. Visit our site today to take a tour, or click below to enroll and become part of the Yellow Brick Road family. We can’t wait to meet you!
