Starting Daycare For the First Time? These 10 Tips Will Make the Transition Much Easier

Sending your child to daycare for the first time can be tough, especially if you’re a new parent and you’ve never been away from your little one for long. However, if you work or have something else going on at home, having them go somewhere during the day may be essential.

It may be tough at first, but you can get through it, especially if you’re prepared. In this guide, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know when your child starts daycare, including how to prepare emotionally, what to pack, and how to manage potential separation anxiety.

1. Recognize the Signs of Separation Anxiety

There may be many reasons why you're sending your child to daycare. You may work for a living or have other things going on during the day. Everyone has a different story, but no matter what the reason, one thing is likely: you or your child may experience separation anxiety while thinking about leaving your toddler during the day.

Be sure to research numerous daycare centers before deciding on the “one” and look at what each center offers. Knowing your child is going to a good place can ease some of the anxiety. Your child will likely be more nervous than you, so look for any signs of stress, such as more frequent tantrums, clinging to you, or crying. If you see these signs, try to comfort your child and take their feelings seriously. Then, follow the other steps on this list to make the transition easier.

2. Visit the Daycare Before They Start

One of the easiest ways to create a smooth transition for both you and your child is to visit the daycare center the week or day before your child's first day. During this visit, you can take a tour of the facility (if you haven’t already) and ask any last-minute questions about what’s allowed, when pickup time is, what goes on there during the day, and any other inquiries you may have.

This step is also essential for your baby or toddler. Even if it seems that your child is too young to register what’s going on, this will still give them a chance to get familiar with their new surroundings, so it’s not so jarring when you bring and drop them off the next day. 

Also, if your toddler is just too anxious to go full-time, ask the daycare if you can start with shorter or half-days and then gradually shift to full days once your child is more comfortable. The chances are good that this will be possible.

3. Talk About the Excitement of Daycare

While you’re taking a tour of the daycare center and during the days leading up to their first day, build up the excitement of daycare so your child isn’t so anxious. When you’re taking the tour, point out the toys and the play area and the pictures of the other happy kids, and build up how enjoyable the experience will be.

You can say things and ask questions along the way, such as “Isn’t that teacher nice?” Also, ask your child what they liked and build on that excitement. Knowing that your toddler is having fun at daycare will make the experience easier for you both.

4. Start Teaching Independence 

In the weeks before starting daycare, consider getting your toddler used to the idea of being more independent. It’s likely that at this time, you’re doing everything for your toddler, from helping them wash their hands to putting on all of their clothes, and that’s perfectly normal.

However, when your child is at daycare, they’ll need to be used to a stranger helping them with these tasks or potentially having to do the acts themselves. When the time comes, having a stranger assisting them will be less jarring if you’ve started preparing your toddler in the weeks before going to daycare.

5. Update Your Morning Routine

Since you’ll now be switching things up and bringing your child to daycare in the morning, you’ll likely need to switch up or add to your morning routine. For starters, you may need to create more time before you head out the door. It's a good idea to complete chores and pack lunches the night before so you’re ready to go. If you notice there's not enough time in the morning, consider waking up 10-15 minutes earlier. Lay out your baby’s clothes the night before to take the guesswork out of getting dressed the next day. 

If you still find that you’re crunched for time, another idea is for you and your kids to take a shower or bath the night before to free up as much time as possible. While you’re getting ready, remember to show your excitement about going to daycare. Don’t make it sound like a chore, or your child may pick up on your negativity. 

6. Pack the Essentials

It’s advisable to choose a dedicated diaper bag that you can use strictly for daycare. Pack it with all of the necessities and the extra items your child may need. Start with a couple of changes of clothes in case of an incident. If your child wears diapers, then pack a few of those as well. You’ll also need to consider all of the bottle supplies or breast milk that may be required throughout the day. 

Additionally, pack anything your child may need specifically. This may include pacifiers, a favorite toy to keep them calm, extra bibs, and any necessary medication. You might also ask the daycare center about any necessities that they want you to pack. Don’t forget to put a label on everything so nothing is lost.

7.  Create a Goodbye Ritual

Part of the reason why you may still feel anxiety even after your child starts daycare is that you’re still getting used to the process, and it’s hard to say goodbye. A solution may be to create a “goodbye” ritual. This is when you and your child do the same thing every day before parting ways. That could include giving a hug and a kiss, singing a song, saying a few select words, or anything else you come up with. 

Creating this routine will help to build security and predictability, which can reduce anxiety during drop-off. This routine may require that you allow more time during your drop-offs, so schedule accordingly. Just make sure not to sneak away when your child isn’t looking. It won’t make the process easier and may lead to further anxiety. 

8. Spend Quality Time Together After Daycare 

Even if you make all of the necessary preparations, there’s a good chance that your young child will experience some separation anxiety, so make it up to them after work and daycare ends. Go home and spend some quality time together.

Depending on your child’s age, you can play with blocks or toys, read a book, or simply cuddle on the couch. In addition to giving you a chance to bond, if your child knows that they’ll get some quality time from their parents after daycare, they may be less likely to be afraid to go in the first place. 

9. Practice Self-Care to Quell Anxiety

The idea of starting daycare will be tougher on some parents than others. If you are the type who feels sick to your stomach about being away from your child, know that it’s okay to feel this way, and you are not alone. Different parents feel different levels of anxiety. 

However, you should not let that anxiety settle. Instead, find a way to practice some self-care so you don’t get too worked up. Self-care is different for everyone. It could involve taking a walk during lunch, practicing yoga, reading a favorite book, eating a healthy lunch, or anything in between. If you still feel stressed, talk to a parent, your spouse, or a trusted friend and let them console you.

10. Be Patient

The final recommended tip for any parent and child starting daycare is to be patient because there will be good days and some not-so-good days. You might do okay with separation anxiety four out of five days. Then, on that fifth day, you may suddenly feel a wave of anxiety.

If that happens, know it’s not the end of the world. Try to calm down and be patient with yourself. The next day will be better. Remember to practice self-care to prevent your emotions from getting out of hand. As time goes on, you will become more accustomed to the daycare routine, and the days will get easier.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Oksana Kuzmina/Shutterstock.com