Christine Hernandez
Early childhood educator, writer, and mother. Your friendly neighborhood guide to all things parenting.
Searching for high-quality infant childcare can be stressful, but the childcare experts at Winnie are here to help. From when to start looking to what kinds of questions to ask on a tour, we're breaking down everything parents need to know about infants and daycare.
When should you start your childcare search?
When your search begins depends a lot on where you live and how long (or short) your parental leave is. If you are returning to work after six weeks or live in a place where childcare spots are in high demand or there are very few providers (also known as a childcare desert), you may want to start looking during your pregnancy. If you have a more extended parental leave and childcare is plentiful in your area, you will want to start your search at least a month before you plan to return to work. The consensus among parents and providers is the sooner you start your search, the better, as you'll have the most options.
If you have just moved to a new area or are late to the childcare search game, don't feel like all hope is lost. Kristin Keating, a Speech Pathologist in Yonkers, NY said about her search, "we started really late because we are bad procrastinators and we moved to a new area a month before I gave birth. We literally visited one home daycare that came recommended and when we went there for a tour we knew it was the one. We actually were not accepted originally because she was at capacity but thankfully she had the room before I had to go back to work."
When is a baby considered an infant?
In childcare terms, a baby is considered an infant from birth until 12-18 months, depending on the program and local regulations. For example, a larger daycare center may have a few infant classrooms, separating babies who crawl and those that don't, whereas a smaller center or childcare home may have just one classroom for infants from 6 weeks to 12 or 18 months. When touring a daycare or childcare program, you may want to ask the provider when children transition from the infant room to the toddler room and if there is any separation between mobile infants and those that aren't yet crawling or scooting.
When can babies start daycare?
Although the minimum age requirements vary from program to program, most childcare providers begin accepting infants after six weeks of age. So, if you need to return to work (as many parents do) after six weeks, in-home daycare is a great option to explore. Licensed in-home daycare providers need to have a certain number of care providers per number of children under two. At an in-home daycare, you get the comfort of a home-like atmosphere and the peace of mind that your baby is being cared for by vetted caregivers who undergo frequent inspections by their licensing agency.
What kinds of childcare options are available for infants
Daycare Centers
Daycare centers typically have multiple classrooms, and children are grouped by age. Some things to think about when considering a daycare center are:
- Your child may be able to remain at the center from infancy-preschool, so they are in a familiar place.
- Some larger daycare centers have set drop-off and pick-up times, and many are only full-time. You may choose not to send your child all five days or pick them up after a half-day, but most likely, you'll still need to pay the full-time tuition.
- They must meet licensing requirements, teachers and caregivers submit to background checks, undergo CPR training, and other professional development workshops.
In-home Daycare
An in-home daycare typically runs out of a provider's home or a portion of their home. Here are some things to consider if you go the home daycare route:
- In-home daycares also need to meet licensing requirements. Providers also submit to background checks and attend trainings and workshops.
- In-home daycare combines the comfy aspect of being at home with a Nanny and allows your child to socialize with other children in a safe environment.
- Mixed-age groupings add to the "family feel" of an in-home daycare, and many children remain with the provider through infancy and toddlerhood.
- May have more flexible scheduling options and part-time tuition rates.
Nanny/Nannyshare/Au pair
Having someone come to your home (or live in your home like an au-pair would) may be the most expensive childcare option, but some families need the flexibility that individual care provides. If your child has medical needs or requires one-on-one care for any other reason, a nanny or au-pair may be your best bet. If you want your child to remain in your home but still want your child to socialize, you may consider sharing a nanny with another family so your child has a playmate.
What to look for when touring a daycare
Once you figure out what kind of childcare may work best for your family, it's time to schedule some tours. When you visit the center or daycare home, try to get a feel for the overall "vibe" of the program. Do the children look happy and well-cared for? Are the classrooms clean and inviting? Are the caregivers attentive and warm? As a parent, you know your child best and will likely know when you've found the right program for your family. Trust your gut.
Questions to ask at a daycare for infants
- Ratios: Although the exact ratio of caregivers to infants will vary state by state and between centers and in-home daycare, the lower the ratio, the better. For example, a ratio of 4:1 means 4 infants for every 1 caregiver.
- Max group size: You may also want to know how many infants or children are allowed to be present at one time each day.
- Professional Development/continuing education: You may consider asking if teachers and caregivers receive ongoing professional development or are encouraged to take workshops or classes. Some larger daycare centers offer trainings for their staff regularly as part of licensing requirements.
- Floortime/tummy time: Tummy time is super important for babies and helps them develop the strength and coordination needed for crawling and later motor skill development. Find out how long babies are kept in bouncy seats or other baby seats and how they facilitate tummy time.
- Feeding/Sleep schedules: Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, be sure to ask the provider how they approach feeding and sleeping schedules. Do they follow the child's lead or go by a set schedule?
Common infant daycare concerns and what to do
Baby Won't Eat or Sleep at Daycare
Understanding the Issue: It's common for babies to experience disruptions in their eating and sleeping patterns when they start daycare. This adjustment period is influenced by the new environment, different routines, and separation from parents.
Expert Advice: Pediatricians suggest that consistency and communication with daycare providers are key. Sharing your baby's usual schedule, preferences, and comfort items (like a favorite blanket or toy) can help. Daycare staff can gradually introduce the baby to the new routines while incorporating elements of their home routine to ease the transition.
Practical Tips: Parents can also aid this transition by mimicking the daycare's schedule at home during weekends or days off. Patience is crucial, as it can take time for babies to adjust to eating and sleeping in a new setting.
Baby is Coming Home with Diaper Rash
Understanding the Issue: Diaper rash can be more common when children are in daycare due to various factors, including less frequent diaper changes, sensitivity to different products, or reactions to new foods.
Expert Advice: Open communication with your daycare about your baby's specific needs and any skin sensitivities is vital. Request updates on how often diaper changes are happening and consider providing your own diaper rash cream if your baby has sensitive skin.
Preventative Measures: Ensure that the daycare has a clear diapering policy and adheres to hygiene standards. Regularly applying a barrier cream at home and at daycare can prevent rash development. Additionally, quick changes after wet or dirty diapers are essential.
Napping at Daycare is Affecting Bedtime
Understanding the Issue: Changes in nap schedules at daycare can impact nighttime sleep patterns. Babies might nap more, less, or at different times than they do at home, affecting how easily they fall asleep at night.
Expert Advice: Alignment between home and daycare sleep schedules is crucial. Discussing and coordinating nap times with your daycare provider can help maintain a consistent sleep routine for your baby.
Practical Tips: Adjusting bedtime routines may be necessary if napping changes are unavoidable. This could include shifting bedtime slightly earlier or later, depending on the baby's nap schedule, to ensure they still get the recommended amount of sleep overall.
Closing Note: Remember, each baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Flexibility, patience, and ongoing dialogue with your daycare provider are key to navigating these challenges. Additionally, consulting with your pediatrician can provide personalized advice tailored to your baby's needs.
Whether you are searching for in-home childcare or daycare centers, you can find both on Winnie, along with reviews from other parents and information about availability.
You can also get your questions about infant development, feeding, sleep, and more answered by parents and providers in real-time in our Community.
