Beginning daycare is a huge chapter for any child, as well as any parent! Those first few days and weeks can be especially difficult, as you learn to settle into a new routine and navigate what works and doesn’t work for you. Here are five tips for a smooth daycare experience for those new to the daycare world, that may help ease some of the worry and stress.
Do Your Research
There is not really a “one size fits all” daycare program. Each daycare has its’ own perks, programs, and structure that may fit your child’s needs in different ways. Take tours, ask for honest suggestions and reviews from local mom groups online, and don’t worry if the first one, two, or even three daycare centers you look at are not right for you. Go with your gut and choose where you feel the most “at home” walking through the doors.
Label, Label, Label
This is something that any teacher will tell you to do, and you’ll quickly learn that there is a VERY good reason. It’s essential to label every piece of clothing and item sent with your child because things get lost easily or mistakenly swapped at pickup. If you can, try to buy items that stand out a bit (I learned very quickly that nine out of ten kids have the Baby Shark towel from Target – lol!). You can order labels with names already included online, or simply buy fabric labels online that will stick (and stay) on any surface!
Prep the Night Before
One of the best things you can do to save yourself a little bit of the morning rush is prepping not only the meal and snacks for your child the night before, but also packing their bag with everything they may need for the day. Typically this includes their nap mat, change of clothes, and any extra wipes or diapers. and possibly their favorite stuffy. If they are old enough to dress themselves, lay out their outfit on the couch for them. Anything you can do to keep the morning calm will be a win for not only you but for your child as well.
Have a Sick Day Backup Plan
The inevitable reality is that your child WILL catch a bug here and there – especially in the beginning! My son had a great first week of daycare and was out the whole second with strep throat. The good news is that this is typically a short “welcome-period” type of problem and their immune system will kick in before you know it. In the meantime, make sure you have a solid backup plan, so that when sick days strike, you are ready to handle it as best as you can.
Don’t Feel Guilty
One of the toughest parts of our kids beginning daycare is the separation anxiety and fear of sending them off without us. Whether you’re sending an infant or a toddler, we all feel the lump in our throat during those first few days. Just remember to take a deep breath and remind yourself that they are SO loved, and you have done everything you can to send them to where they will thrive. As the days and weeks go on, they WILL make friends (some that they will hold onto well after daycare ends), they WILL settle into their routine and they WILL have fun. Time flies and you will be school-prepping before you know it!
