Let your baby nap in his/her crib

Your baby is growing and needs plenty of sleep. Infants who have not learned to fall asleep independently have a harder time transitioning to daycare. Your baby will not be able to sleep in a swing, car seat, carrier, or providers arms, so for your baby to get the sleep he/she needs, it is imperative that he/she learns to sleep on their own in a crib or pack 'n play. Make sure you start the transition to a crib for naps at least a month before starting daycare. 

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Create the same sleep environment that your baby will have at daycare

As a licensed provider we are not able to swaddle your infant, however generally infants have grown out of the stage of needing to be swaddled by the time they start going to daycare. Make sure you always place your baby on his/her back for naps and don't use any equipment, clothing, or other items that will not be used at daycare. We provide a pack 'n play for your child with a fitted sheet. We do not use blankets, pillows, stuffed toys or padded bumpers. Also make sure nap time is not a silent time because in order for the baby to sleep soundly at daycare, they must be accustomed to some noise. 

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If you're breastfeeding, give him/her a bottle on a regular basis

Bottle feeding and breastfeeding can often be a difficult combinations, but it is essential to your baby that he/she can drink from a bottle consistently throughout the day. As caregivers we want to ensure your baby gets adequate sustenance during the day with us and if they are not accustomed to taking a bottle meeting his/her needs can be challenging.

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Try Pumping at the same times you would if you were at work 

It may be hard to maintain your supply because pumping is much different than your baby emptying the breast. Try pumping for a few days and bottle feeding to get your body used to this new routine and to figure out how much milk your baby drinks prior to you returning to work.

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Write things down for your child care provider

You know your baby better than anyone, so your baby's cues are something that a provider needs time to learn. Therefore, it is essential for a provider to know when your baby naps, how often, how many dirty/wet diapers they typically have and how often/much your baby eats. This will assist us as your baby's caregiver in learning your little ones cues. 

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Don't use sick leave on maternity leave 

Children are bound to get sick not just at daycare, but interacting with anyone that comes in contact with your child (family/friends) and exposure to the world. While illnesses help build immunity, we don't want illnesses spreading in daycare and exposing not only your child but other children in our care. It is common that the first few weeks in a childcare setting an infant may get sick. Thus you may then find you need to take days off from work caring for a sick baby shortly after they start child care. 

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Expect your baby to be clingy and extra hungry in the evenings

If your baby is extra clingy and hungry the first couple of week of starting daycare, don't automatically assume he/she is not receiving quality care. Babies often will eat less at daycare so they can eat more at home bonding with their mom and dad. Your child also missed you, so they will want to spend extra time with you at night and on weekends. Snuggle your baby but be sure not to hold your baby constantly, as your infant will quickly learn to expect being held on a regular basis and it is impossible for a caregiver to hold your baby consistently while in their care. Also your little one greatly benefits from tummy time and back time as they explore their world and build those little muscles. 

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​We hope you find this information helpful and we look forward to caring for your little ones!

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