How to Prepare Baby for Daycare

Can you believe it’s that time of year already?! Summer is coming to an end and fall is slowly creeping in. Schools are starting to open backup and kids are getting ready to get back in the classroom. Sleep habits and routines can often fall by the wayside during the summer. Whether you're traveling, spending more time with friends and family, or simply staying home, babies and children often don’t follow as strict of a schedule during the summertime as they do during their regular routine. Once the first day of daycare is on the horizon, it is a great time to get started thinking about getting your baby back on schedule and some structure back in their routine. To prepare I’m sharing my top tips that you can start using now to get your baby ready for daycare.

Start 2 Weeks Before Daycare Starts 

I know the start of daycare can creep up on you, before you know it - daycare is starting in a few days! Try to keep an eye on the start date and get your child back into a routine a week or two before the first day. It will be so hard on your kiddo (and you!) to go from having no routine or set bedtime/wake up time to getting up early and having earlier bedtimes every day. Try easing into things by adjusting their bedtime by 10-20 minutes earlier each day until they reach their ideal bedtime and are getting the right amount of sleep.

Go To Bed Earlier

This one is so hard during the summer! Going to bed when it’s daylight out is so hard for kids, but so needed at the same time! Start moving bedtime up earlier a little each night so that your kiddo can get the appropriate hours of sleep each night without having to sleep in late. Doing all of these timing adjustments slowly and subtly will help adjust your child’s internal clock and get them back on their sleep schedule in no time. 

Create a Nightly Routine

Routine might just be the most common thing you’ll find me talk about for all age groups! Routine is key for any person of any age, especially when it comes to sleep. Having a good bedtime routine signals your brain that sleep is near and it’s time to wind down. Routines don’t have to be long and complex. A good bedtime routine can be as simple as brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, reading a book and laying your baby down for bed. Doing these simple tasks each night will start to wind your child down and let them know that it’s time for bed. 

Work on Sleep Schedule Before Daycare 

If your child isn’t falling asleep on their own or on a predictable schedule, this is a good time to work on this before your child starts daycare. Most babies do better with daycare naps if they are on a consistent schedule prior to starting.

Adjust Schedule Once Daycare Starts

If naps are shorter or skipped at daycare, make sure that you move their bedtime earlier to compensate for the sleep they missed during the day and avoid them getting overtired!

What to Pack When Preparing Baby for Daycare

Packing the right items ensures that your baby is comfortable and well cared for during their time away. Here’s a checklist to help you prepare an infant for daycare:

• Diapers and Wipes: Include enough diapers for the day and a pack of wipes.
• Clothing: Pack extra outfits in case of spills or accidents.
• Formula, Breast Milk, or Baby Food: Label bottles and containers with your baby’s name and feeding instructions.
• Pacifiers and Comfort Items: Include any favorite items like a pacifier, small blanket, or lovey to provide comfort.
• Sleep Items: If allowed, pack a sleep sack or swaddle your baby is used to.
• Medication: If applicable, provide labeled medication along with clear instructions.

Make sure to check with the daycare about specific requirements, like the need for labeled items or particular policies for feeding and sleeping supplies.

Getting Ready for Daycare: Helping Your Baby Adjust

Preparing for daycare involves more than packing—your baby also needs to feel emotionally ready. These steps can help with the transition:

1. Practice Separations: Start leaving your baby with a trusted caregiver for short periods to help them adjust to being away from you.
2. Visit the Daycare Together: Familiarize your baby with the new environment by visiting the facility and meeting the caregivers.
3. Establish a Morning Routine: Create a consistent drop-off routine that includes cheerful goodbyes to signal that daycare is a positive experience.
4. Talk About Daycare: Narrate the experience to your baby, even if they’re too young to understand fully. Your calm tone helps them associate daycare with safety and comfort.

Communication with Daycare Staff

Building a strong relationship with the daycare staff is an important part of getting ready for daycare:

• Daily Updates: Ask how they communicate updates on naps, feedings, and diaper changes.
• Discuss Preferences: Share details about your baby’s routine, likes, and dislikes to ensure continuity of care.
• Address Concerns: Bring up any worries or questions to build trust and alignment.

Open communication helps create a partnership that benefits both you and your baby.

How to Prepare Baby for Daycare: FAQs

What if my baby doesn’t nap well at daycare?

It’s common for babies to have shorter naps when they first start daycare. To compensate, consider an earlier bedtime and ensure your baby gets plenty of rest at home.

How can I help my baby stay healthy at daycare?

Daycare environments expose babies to more germs, which can help build their immune systems over time. To keep your baby healthy:

• Wash hands frequently, including when you pick them up.
• Ensure your baby is up to date on vaccinations.
• Pack labeled personal items to avoid sharing.

What if my baby cries during drop-off?

Crying during drop-off is normal, especially in the first few weeks. Keep goodbyes short and positive, reassuring your baby that you’ll return soon. Most babies settle quickly once the parent leaves.

What’s the best way to organize my baby’s daycare bag?

Use separate compartments or labeled bags for items like diapers, clothes, and food. Keep essentials like pacifiers or comfort items in easily accessible spots for quick handoffs during drop-off.

If you need help with assessing your baby's sleep space or have any sleep questions, please reach out to me, [email protected].  

Baby Brezza is proud to partner with sleep coach Molly Leighton. She can help you get your your baby on a solid schedule and achieve your goals. Contact Molly at [email protected], visit her website at www.sleepshore.com or follow her on Instagram (@sleep.shore) or Facebook (@sleepshore)