4 Tips to Prepare Your Child for Daycare and Make the Transition Easier

When you are a new parent, you will inevitably reach a crossroad in your life where you have to choose between going back to work and staying home to take care of your little one. It can be confusing and overwhelming. Fortunately, there is a solution: Daycare. Daycare can be a lifesaver for working parents as it allows you to leave your child in the hands of trained and experienced caregivers. At the same time, it is also an important milestone for children as they take the plunge into discovering more of what the world has to offer. But how do you prepare them for this new phase in their life? It is important that you give them your love and support as they make the transition from a home environment to daycare. Here are a few things you should do:

1. Get to know the caregivers

If possible, you should take your child to the daycare and meet the caregivers ahead of time. Tour the facility and playgrounds. You can also meet with the other kids there. This will allow your child to get familiar with the facility and also get to know the people who will tend to them throughout the day.

2. Build similar routines into their day

Once you decide on which daycare you will send your child to, you can ask them for their daily timetable. This will help you incorporate similar routines into your child’s every day so that they transition easily once they start going to daycare. Whether it is the meal time or nap time, making even small changes can make a big difference.

3. Make drop-off quick

When you drop your child off at daycare, there is bound to be some tears. You will cry. Your baby will definitely cry. This is why you should plan for a quick drop off. Do not linger. You can also request one of the daycare staff to gently carry your child away so that you can leave and your little one can begin their day as soon as possible.

4. Do not overprepare

As parents, you would definitely want your child to be prepared for anything that life throws at them, including daycare. But in a bid to do that, make sure you do not overwhelm them or yourself. It is not an easy time, not for you or your baby. And getting used to a new environment will surely take some time. So, just allow things to take their normal course.

Daycare can be exciting and a great learning experience for your child. So, do your research and pick a children care home that you can trust and rely on. If you are looking for daycare in the Bronx, might we suggest Little Stars Preschools? We currently have three locations around the Bronx, each offering top-rated childcare for babies. We also offer childcare for creative kids. Get in touch with us to learn more.