It’s time for you to go back to work. You’ve loved your time with your baby, but it’s time to transition them into childcare. You’re stressed about leaving your child, but you’re more concerned with how they’ll adapt to the changing circumstances. There are ways you can make this transition to childcare easier for them and for yourself.
So, how do you introduce your child to their new normal?
This blog will analyze six ways to begin childcare with your baby. Whether it is a nanny or daycare, this list will help.
Watch - 6 Ways to Ease Your Baby Into ChildcareEase Your Baby into Childcare
1. Spend the Day with Them in Their New Environment
This tip applies to both group daycare and an in-house nanny. A way to ease your child into someone else caring for them is to be there as they are adapting. A paid first day or a couple of days with the nanny at home, with the three of you spending time playing and getting comfortable with each other is very beneficial.
When transitioning your child to daycare, take them to the facility, play with them, and introduce them to the teachers. This will acclimate your child to everything without feeling like their parents just dropped them into a new situation.
2. Start Slow
Once you leave your child in their new environment or with a nanny, nothing is wrong with starting with half days or part of the week. The transition away from seeing your baby all day, every day, will be hard for you as well, so this will help you transition as well. Once you do this, the full day/ week won’t feel as jarring for either of you.
3. Have a Routine
If your nanny arrives at a specific time or you drop off your baby at daycare at the same time every day, then your baby will begin anticipating the separation and will become more used to it. You should also ensure that your goodbyes are routine. That way, they’ll know when it is time for you to go.
4. Talk to Them About it
Several picture books can prepare your baby for the new normal. Depending on their age, they may understand that things are about to change to varying degrees. Let them know it will be fun and that you be back with them before they know it. Tell them about their routine at daycare or that their nanny will play with them. Whatever they need to reassure them.
5. Let your Child Experience Other Caretakers Beforehand
Long before you return to work or other activities, allow your child to spend time with other caretakers, such as family and friends, so they are used to being away from you long before it is necessary. This way, they will get used to being away from you, no matter how hard it is. It also may help you decide on daycare or a nanny due to their comfort level at being outside the home.
6. Be Open to a Change of Plan
Throughout this process, changes in your child are normal. Clinginess, sadness, and sleep issues are part of the process. However, you may find that the changes are prolonged or that your situation no longer works for you. That’s completely fine. It’s important to be open to a change in your situation because this is trial and error like most parts of parenting.
Just remember to do your homework and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Most parents must go through this, so it may help to ask people you know about their experiences.
REFERENCES:
Starting Child Care: How to Ease Into the Child Care Experience
How to Get Kids Ready for Child Care
10 Tips for Transition to Child Care (From a mom who got it all wrong)
Written by: Gabrielle Goldson
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