Transitioning to Daycare

Helpful advice from Miranda

They’re such social creatures, and it’s a lot of fun watching them babble to each other.

A parent wrapping up a parental leave, and getting ready to head back to work, reached out to an online forum as she prepared to transition her 5-month-old to daycare. She was looking for general advice and specifically wanted to know if it was OK to drop her baby off in PJs.

Lucky for her, Miranda, a former daycare teacher, responded with these valuable words of wisdom:

• Five months old is a good time to start daycare. Some people think it’s too young, but it’s actually a great age. They adjust easier than children who come for the first time during their toddler years.

• Arriving in Pjs isn't a big deal, but it’s nice if it’s a set with a top and bottom (instead of a zip or button up one piece) because it makes diaper changing a lot easier.
• Pack at least one extra set of clothes (including socks). Some parents leave a change of clothes in a gallon-size zip-lock bag with us and then put another set inside their diaper bag.
• If your child cries, it’s okay. It’s normal, and you’re not a bad parent for leaving while your child is crying. The teachers are trained to handle it. If the child doesn’t cry, it doesn’t mean s/he won’t miss you; it’s just a new environment for him to study.
• If your child has a favorite comfort object (pacifier, bottle, etc) please bring it or bring an identical one for him to keep with us. It’ll make nap times or other fussy times a lot easier. (Don’t bring blankets, though, because most state licensing laws won’t allow for blankets to go in cribs. It’s a hazard.)
• I know it can be hard for some parents to transition a child to daycare, but your baby will more than likely love it! They’re such social creatures, and it’s a lot of fun watching them babble to each other. I hope it goes well for both of you!

Miranda is a mother and former daycare teacher.