Taking your little one to child care can be a difficult decision and an emotional experience. Here are a few ways to ease the transition from being at home together to being apart for the first time.
Know that you have a choice
- Visit the centers or home care establishments you are interested in to get a feel for the environment, the staff, the procedures, and their standards
- Ask about what they do for babies transitioning into their care
- Take your baby with you when you visit so they can begin to feel comfortable in a new environment
- Make a decision based on what you feel is best for your family
Pack your baby’s bag the night before to avoid the anxiety of being in a hurry
- Be sure to include something that will give your baby a sense of security, like a favorite stuffed animal, toy, or blanket
Start a relationship with your care provider and communicate openly
- Your care provider can tell you a lot about your baby’s behavior and development
- You can tell your care provider important information about your baby
- When you work together, your baby will receive the attention and care they need