Tips for Starting Daycare

Now that you've chosen the ideal daycare (check out our recent post "How to Choose a Daycare" ) for your family, let's talk!! Often daycares will have their own routine they follow in order to keep it running. So, how do Moms on Call's Schedules fit into this? And what tips do we have to ease this transition?

It's normal for your little one to have some separation awareness. This is one of many developmental stages that can be labeled negatively, but it is completely normal! The best thing we can do to ease the transition from parent to caregiver is to keep what we can consistent.

Moms on Call's Top 5 Tips for Starting Daycare 

1. Stop, Drop, and Roll out there!
   • Don't linger too long.
   • We want the transition from parent to caregiver to happen quickly!
   • Get in, drop off, say goodbye, and get out!
   • Read more on separation awareness and tips for a brief goodbye here.
2. Sound Machine
   • Most daycares will accept a sound machine, if they don't already have one, for nap time.
   • This is a sleep indicator we can mimic at daycare and at home!
     • It lets little one know it's time to sleep!
3. Schedule
   • Provide the teacher with your little one's schedule.
     • You can print/email your current Moms on Call schedule directly from the Scheduler App.
4. Crazy Day Tips
   • Have daycare follow the *C* times in your schedule when necessary.
   • Moms on Call is one of the only schedules that contain crazy day tips.
   • There are two sets of guidelines:
     • 1) Sticking exactly to the times (which you can follow at home)
     • 2) Having flexible windows on each side of the time and following the "Crazy Day Tips" (most daycares)
   • Up until 12-15 months of age, little one will have two naps.
     • Ideally, we'd like if they could hit two naps a day that are no longer than two hours each.
   • See if daycare can do the supper feeding on the schedule before you get there so you are not rushing around when you get home!
     • If you arrive at the supper feeding, you can feed and then get on the road!
5. Pick up the routine!
   • In the evenings and on the weekends, pick up the routine!
   • They will learn the difference between home and daycare.
   • Stay consistent and confident, and the baby will follow!!

Looking for more? 

Join us and listen to The Moms on Call Podcast! In Episode 12, Daycare Do’s, we talk about all things daycare, including six questions to help narrow down your top daycare choices.

Need more support with back to school or starting daycare?

With each and every  Moms on Call   Consulting experience, we have one goal in mind— to equip you with the confidence you need to become the best parent possible for your child. We are proud to partner with certified consultants who are uniquely trained to work with families and utilize the Moms on Call philosophy. All consultants are licensed nurses with pediatric experience who have used Moms on Call within their own homes.