Daycare is a safe and stimulating childcare option for toddlers. However, entrusting your baby to a group setting isn't always easy. Discover our tips to help this new stage go as smoothly as possible for both you and your child.
1. Be proactive: Register in advance
Nursery places are limited and demand is high. It is therefore crucial to register your baby in the first months of your pregnancy so you are not caught unprepared when you return to work.
2. Cover your bases: Have a backup plan
Childhood illnesses like colds and stomach bugs are common in daycare. If your child is sick, consider arranging alternative childcare, such as with grandparents, a babysitter, or a childminder.
3. Building a relationship with staff: An essential contact
Communication with the nursery staff is essential. Meet the director and the childcare assistants who will be looking after your child. Discuss your baby's routines, including their sleep and feeding schedules, to ensure a smooth transition.
4. Carefully manage the adaptation: A gradual transition
The adjustment period, usually one to two weeks, allows your child to gradually get used to their new routine. Start slowly, initially spending time with them at daycare, then leaving them for increasingly longer periods.
5. Reassure your child: Clarify things for him/her
Clearly explaining to your baby what will happen is essential. Tell them you have to go to work, but that you will always come back for them. When you leave, keep goodbyes short and affectionate so as not to prolong the separation unnecessarily.
6. Relax: Remain calm
The first few days are often harder for parents than for babies. Stay calm and positive so as not to pass your worries on to your child. If necessary, ask the nursery staff for reassurance by keeping you informed about your child's well-being throughout the day.
Getting your baby used to daycare requires patience and preparation. By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth transition for your little one and feel more at ease during this period of change.
