How to prepare your baby for starting daycare?
Dr. Valleteau de Moulliac,
Consulting Pediatrician for Laboratoires Sarbec
Your baby is about to start daycare: it’s an important milestone for both of you, especially if it’s the first time.
- For you, because you have to separate from your baby and entrust them to others for the day.
- For your baby, because they will have their first experiences of social and group life, form new bonds, and live their little life without you.
How to prepare for this separation:
- Anticipate this separation by leaving your baby for a short time with parents or friends, even if just briefly.
- Visit the daycare, meet the director and staff, and ask them any questions that are on your mind to establish a trusting relationship. Express your concerns: there are no silly questions.
- Don’t have an idealized view of daycare: your baby will be safe and cared for because the staff is trained and qualified. Your baby will thrive and be stimulated, but will also learn to wait their turn for diaper changes and meals. They will lose the absolute priority they had with you and may experience some frustrations. They may even catch illnesses… But this is beneficial: it’s called learning social life.
- This is why there is a so-called adaptation period of one to two weeks for gradual integration. It is designed for both of you: you and your baby. It’s important to respect it.
- However, plan for backup solutions in case of illness, as not all daycares accept sick children.
So if this is the childcare option you’ve chosen, drop your baby off at daycare without guilt or remorse, and when you pick them up, give them your full attention!
