Day care nervousness
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I completely understand how you’re feeling—sending your 18-month-old to daycare is a big step, and it’s totally normal to feel nervous. As a daycare teacher, I can assure you that we prioritize your child’s wellbeing, making sure they feel safe, loved, and comfortable. We create a calm environment for naps, and if your little one is used to quiet, just let the staff know—they’ll do their best to accommodate that. Toddlers usually adjust quickly to pack-n-plays, especially with a familiar blanket or sleep sack. For feeding, daycare staff are great at following routines and ensuring your baby gets what they need at the right time. For the first week, I’d recommend sending a few diapers, a change of clothes and favourite blanket or toy. I know this is a big change, but rest assured, the daycare staff will make sure your baby feels secure and happy. Most kids settle in faster than we expect. And if you ever have any concerns, you are always welcome to contact that centre! 💞
Hello! My daughter started (1 day/week) from 8 months. Your centre should ask you for what your current schedules are and most of them will try to stick to it. Every centre is different in terms of how they want you to send in bottles etc so just clarify with them but I send bottles filled with water and formula measured out seperately and they use bottle warmers on site. In terms of naps, I was so worried because my LO was in pitch black with white noise and it turned out it didn’t really make any difference. It’s actually given us a lot of freedom back seeing how she has adapted to different environments. Don’t get me wrong, some days at daycare she has two short naps and that’s it, but more days she has good lengthy naps. Some days she has one big nap (she’s on 2 naps so this isn’t ideal). The best thing is try not to worry about their schedule when there, as there isn’t anything you can do. But don’t feel worried about asking your centre to do XYZ to support their routines.
They adjust so well and take so much in while in their new environment. Some of the questions you asked should be able to be answered by the daycare. Try to establish good communication with them so when you do have concerns, you’re comfortable raising them. Do they have settling in sessions so you can see how he does for 1-2 hours first? Here in the UK, most don’t let bring our own toys. My childminder (sitter) didn’t have many baby toys so I offered her some spares we had that could stay there. I just gave a whole pack of diapers and wipes and she just lets me know when they’re low. I would think that they had facilities for making formula bottles but again I would ask them so many questions. My baby sleeps in the room with everyone playing but some nurseries here have separate rooms for sleeping. Do you know the ages of the other kids? The buildup to letting them go is usually worse than when it actually happens. It is an adjustment period for everyone so be kind to yourself 🫶🏻