Broken skin and rashes after childcare

Hi Molly, starting daycare is tough on both mum and baby! No one is ever going to care for our little ones to the same standard as parents do, but I would absolutely not accept this behaviour from staff and care for your precious little bub! Getting sick when starting at childcare is super common and can't be avoided. I've had multiple medical professionals tell me that in those first few years of childcare, they will pick up over 20 different bugs per year! I'm hoping that this means a nice strong immune system by the time they start school 😅🤞 Your other concerns are absolutely red flags, and personally, I would not accept this standard and address immediately.

The nappy rash and broken skin are of particular concern. Does he usually suffer from nappy rash? I would ask them what their nappy changing policy is (most childcare centres are usually 2 hours maximum). Do they have a communication app where they log feeds, nappy changes, sleeps, etc. with you? Have a chat with the room leader or go direct to the new/or acting centre manager. You are paying for a service to look after your beautiful little bub. You have every right to ask questions and demand the best care for him 💕 good luck, Mama!

@Krystina yes I understand the sickness is common for babies initially in the childcare. However, a series of issues combined become a concern. My boy suffered from nappy rash occasionally but never with broken skin at home. They told me the scheduled nappy change time verbally in the orientation and they will change after each poo poo. Apparently it’s not the case as while we changed nappy back home, some part of poo has dried out and stuck to the skin. We washed it away. The communication app doesn’t tell whether they change nappy and when. The app just demonstrates only foods all children eat and morning activities for all, not tailored to my child. They said they have different menu for baby under one. No sleep communication or formula feeds in the app neither. What information other childcare usually communicated to parents? Is the information tailored to each child under one?

The lack of personalised communication would bother me, personally. If you're concerned and it doesn't feel right, then it's not right. Trust your instincts, Mama 💕 Leaving nappies on for long enough that there's broken skin and not being cleaned properly is absolutely not good enough.

Thanks Krystina! It’s very helpful. Which childcare centre your child went? My boy’s childcare doesn’t have personalised information at all like what you’ve demonstrated. I literally don’t know what they’re doing with my boy on top of group activity and types of food they eat daily.

That would be very frustrating for you! We go to a Journey Early learning centre. I have friends who use Good Start Early Learning, and they get the same level of communication. I hope you can get things sorted with your centre!

Oh my goodness, Molly, this is the worst nappy rash I have ever seen! This happened to a friend of mine at a new daycare centre that opened with her little boy. Oh gosh, no wonder you are so worried! Poor little one. I would request a meeting with the acting centre manager ASAP and complain. Definitely show them this photo. I'm so sorry this has happened to you guys. Very stressful. Good luck mama 💕

@Krystina I called the room leader yesterday and she said she’ll talk to their staff and get back to me but she didn’t… now I highly suspect their management issue now. I wonder if they’ll treat my child well after this complaint as the information is not transparent and personalised to parents and I have to chase them up.

Hey Molly. I work in childcare & wanted to say you’re above issues are definitely not normal & any child starting care, especially a first time parent should be looked after better. I suspect there is more going on at the centre not just in management. Anything that you are not happy with you can report to the acting director or you can go as far as reporting ( anonymous if you’re more comfortable) to the department. I would have been upset if my child had been left with a temp, that is not acceptable! I would be speaking with the girls in the room to start with & seeing if anyone new is coming and going from that room. Normally is there is a high staff turnover then it isn’t a very nice place to work in which unfortunately means the educators aren’t providing the best care because they are so exhausted and over worked. I’m unsure what communication app the service uses but for a child of 11 months they should be putting in all nappy changes ( wet and solids ).

I would be asking them to add the nappy changes because honestly sounds like they’re just being lazy. I have seen nappy rash very bad like you’re above photo but I hope they are communicating with you daily about it on both pick up and drop off. All centres should also have a nappy change policy in their bathrooms ( where they change the nappies ) so go read it if but also every centre should have every policy in their reception area for any/ every parent to read & you have every right to ask to see any policy. Definitely speak up!!! Your little one can’t & you are his biggest voice so if you have any concerns you need to address them & of course if you don’t feel like it’s the right place for your little one another centre will happily take him. Hope this helps. ☺️

@Ebony Hi Ebony, thanks just wondering if you can shed some more light on my situation more. my child started two days from that centre. This is his 3rd week. I decided to change childcare centre for my child. A series of incidents happening just increased my worries for uncertainty. Their centre manager was gone immediately effective a few weeks back and area manager is now in charge. I asked them the reason and they said they’re not sure. my child’s labels on basket and cabinet wasn’t set up in his 2nd week yet, together with his nappy issue. Also I found this morning their NQS status changes from meeting standards to current provisional not yet assessed. I’m not sure what happened. The room leader indicated the children are cute but they’re physically stressed. All this signals made me feel something is not right and I should move away…