Safe and very stimulating for little ones, daycare is a type of care appreciated by many parents.
But it is not always easy to leave a baby in the community that you have never left before...
Discover our tips to ensure that your child's start at daycare goes as smoothly as possible, for them and for you!
1. Plan ahead Very often, there are fewer places available in daycare than demand. To avoid finding yourself stuck on the eve of returning to work, take your precautions well in advance: do not hesitate to find out and register your (future) baby from the first months of your pregnancy!
2. Watch your back Major disadvantage of the crèche: sick children are not accepted there. However, colds, fevers and gastrointestinal problems are very common among children... In these cases, there are two solutions: take time off from work to look after your child, or arrange alternative childcare (grandparents, babysitter, assistant). kindergarten…). Think about it in advance so as not to be taken by surprise!
3. Establish good relationships with the crèche staff Less personal than with a nanny or childminder, the relationship with the people who will look after your child at the crèche is no less essential. The director (or more rarely the director) will be your main contact: ask her all your questions and turn to her in the event of a problem. Also meet the childcare assistants: they are the ones who will take care of your child on a daily basis and who will be able to tell you how their days go. Talk to them about your little one's habits, their sleeping patterns, their diet, etc.
4. Take care of the adaptation Your baby will not be left alone in the nursery overnight! All establishments provide for an adaptation period: one to two weeks (depending on the nursery and your child) of gradual presence, to get used to this new way of life. You will start by spending time with your child at daycare, then you will leave him alone for an hour, then two, then for a meal, a nap... and finally a full day. To avoid having to rush your baby, consider starting the adaptation several weeks before your planned return to work.
5. Reassure your child… Everything must be very clear to your child. Whatever his age, explain to him that you have to return to work and that he will therefore stay at daycare for a few hours each day, but that you will always come back to pick him up. When leaving him, do not escape surreptitiously but warn him of your departure. Goodbyes should not be excessively prolonged: a hug, a kiss, and we're leaving! Even if he cries the first few times, be strong: he will probably calm down when you are gone.
6. …And relax! Very often, the first days at daycare are harder for mothers than for babies! Your little one feels your emotions strongly: it is therefore important that you are as calm as possible, so as not to communicate your anxiety to him. If you feel sad or worried, dare to talk to the nursery team: we will certainly offer you solutions to calm you down, such as making a quick phone call during the day to check that everything is okay.
Also remember to ask the dad to be there with you to drop your baby off at the nursery for the first few days: it's an easier step to take together!