What size child care program do I prefer, small or large? What type of backup plan might I have in place if the caregiver is be unavailable due to illness? Will I be able to transport my child back and forth from home (or my workplace) and the child care facility? How close or far can the child care facility be from my home or workplace? Where do I want my baby’s care to take place: in my home, in a caregiver’s home, or at a center? How many days and hours per week might I need for my baby’s care? Here are some questions to ask yourself when choosing infant day care: Child care agencies can also be helpful during your search. Look to family, friends, coworkers, and your child’s healthcare provider for suggestions. When starting your search, feel free to ask others for recommendations. Once you're at a site, take the opportunity to ask as many questions as you’d like. ![]() Some may have waiting lists, which is another good reason to start your search sooner than later. In order to choose the right child care facility for your baby, it’s a good idea to visit each home or center that you’re considering. If you like, you could ask the caregiver to send you text and photo updates throughout the day. ![]() So, take heart in knowing that your baby will be in good hands. Oftentimes, separation will be harder for you than for your baby. This can help ease your baby’s separation anxiety. Once you’re ready to start regularly dropping your baby off at day care, consider creating a brief goodbye ritual, which may include giving your baby a hug and a kiss, letting her know you’ll be back later, and waving goodbye as you walk away. Eventually your presence may not be needed as the two may form a bond. Continue by increasing the length of time at subsequent visits to help your baby acclimate to the caregiver. To help your baby get used to a new caregiver, set up a time for your baby to meet the potential caregiver, whether that’s in your home, in her home, or at a day care center. The 7- to 12-month stage may be especially challenging because babies tend to become anxious around strangers during that period. Older babies and toddlers may have more difficulty adapting to a new caregiver. In general, babies up to 7 months old easily adapt to being cared for by a caregiver. When Is a Good Time for Your Baby to Start Day Care?Įvery baby is different, and each family's situation is unique. ![]() Read on to learn all the things to consider when choosing the child care for your little one. Your baby’s health, safety, and development are crucial, and the right child care setting with high quality care can help promote all of that. Your best bet is to do some research ahead of time and find the best options for your infant, whether you're considering hiring a child care professional like a babysitter or nanny, or dropping your little one off at a day care center or family home. No matter what your situation is, you may have a tough time thinking about letting someone else care for your precious baby. Many parents know from the get-go that they will need day care for their baby, while others may not know exactly when this need will arise. ![]() To help you decide, we’ve compiled the pros and cons as well as checklists for the common child care options available. Hunting for child care for your baby? There are different options when it comes to choosing child care for your baby-in-home care or care at a private home or facility commonly referred to as a day care center.
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