I have been checking out daycare options for my baby to go a few days a week. We’re thinking of starting when he’s 10 months old. I’ll be visiting a couple of daycares soon, but I don’t really know what to expect!
My husband and mother-in-law don’t like the idea of daycare because they’re worried the baby will just be left in a crib all day.
Honestly, I’m a new mom and I have no clue what daycare for babies is like.
So, I have a few questions:
What was your experience with daycare for your baby? What did the staff do with your baby apart from feeding, changing diapers, and naps?
Do you have any suggestions for questions I should ask while I’m visiting?
[Daycare staff are trained to provide these activities in a safe, nurturing environment. They observe each child’s development and offer activities that are appropriate for their age and developmental stage.
Additionally, staff continuously monitor the children’s safety and well-being throughout the day, ensuring that each child’s individual needs are met.
Here are some typical activities that daycare staff may organize for babies apart from feeding, changing diapers, and managing nap times: Sensory Play: Babies explore different textures, colors, and shapes through activities like water and sand play, enriching sensory development.
Motor Skills Development: Through reaching for toys, tummy time, and supported mobility, babies enhance both fine and gross motor skills.
Music and Sounds: Gentle music, nursery rhymes, and simple instruments aid babies’ auditory, emotional, and linguistic development.
Reading and Storytelling: Early exposure to language through stories promotes rhythm understanding and early literacy.
Social Interaction: Daycare offers a social environment where babies learn from observing and interacting with others, developing empathy and social skills.
Creative Expression: Simple activities like finger painting or playing with dough encourage creativity and tactile skill development in babies.
Outdoor Time: Safe outdoor activities, like stroller walks or supervised play, provide health benefits and environmental exploration for babies.
In daycare, babies engage in various activities that support their development and well-being. While specific activities may vary depending on the daycare’s curriculum and philosophy, here are some common things babies do in daycare:
Nurturing Care: Daycare providers offer nurturing care to meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of babies. This includes feeding, diapering, comforting, and providing affectionate interactions throughout the day.
Playtime: Babies have supervised playtime with age-appropriate toys and materials. This play encourages exploration, sensory stimulation, and the development of fine and gross motor skills. Babies may enjoy playing with soft toys, rattles, balls, stacking blocks, and more.
Tummy Time: Daycares often incorporate tummy time into the daily routine to help babies develop strength in their neck, shoulders, and core muscles. Tummy time can take place on a soft mat or blanket and may include toys or mirrors to encourage engagement.
Sensory Activities: Daycares provide sensory experiences to stimulate babies’ senses and cognitive development. This may include exploring different textures, listening to music, looking at books with colorful pictures, and playing with water or sand tables.
Outdoor Time: When weather permits, babies may spend time outdoors in a safe and supervised environment. Outdoor play provides fresh air, sunlight, and opportunities for physical activity. Babies may enjoy swinging, crawling on grass, or exploring nature.
Music and Movement: Daycares often incorporate music and movement activities to engage babies and promote language development, coordination, and rhythm. Babies may participate in sing-alongs, dancing, and playing with musical instruments.
Routine Care: Throughout the day, babies receive routine care, including naptime, diaper changes, and feeding times. Daycare providers follow each baby’s individual schedule and preferences to ensure their comfort and well-being.
Social Interaction: Babies have opportunities to interact with caregivers and peers, fostering social skills, emotional regulation, and attachment. Group activities and free play encourage babies to observe, imitate, and engage with others in a supportive environment.
Overall, daycare provides a nurturing and stimulating environment where babies can explore, learn, and grow under the guidance of caring and qualified caregivers.
Hi Amanda…As a new mom, it’s understandable to have questions and concerns about daycare. My experience with daycare for my baby was positive overall.
Apart from the essentials like feeding, changing diapers, and naps, the staff engaged the babies in various activities like sensory play, tummy time, music and movement, storytime, and outdoor time if weather permitted. They also provided opportunities for social interaction with other babies, which is great for their development.
When visiting daycares, here are some questions you might consider asking:
What is the staff-to-child ratio?
What are the qualifications and training of the caregivers?
How do they handle emergencies and illnesses?
What is the daily routine like for the babies?
How do they communicate with parents about their child’s day?
Can you observe a typical day in the infant room?
What is the policy on sleep and nap schedules?
Are there any additional fees or requirements?
How do they handle transitions between rooms as the baby grows?
Can you speak with other parents who have children in the daycare?
These questions can give you a better understanding of the daycare’s practices and whether it aligns with your preferences and expectations.
My experience with daycare for my baby was positive overall. Apart from the essentials like feeding, changing diapers, and naps, the staff engaged the babies in various activities to stimulate their development. This included supervised playtime, tummy time, reading books, singing songs, and even some simple crafts for older infants.
When visiting daycares, it’s essential to ask about their daily routines, how they handle transitions between activities, and what measures they take to ensure the safety and well-being of the babies. Here are some questions you might consider asking:
What is the caregiver-to-child ratio, and how do you ensure each child receives individual attention?
Can you provide examples of the types of activities and play opportunities the babies engage in during the day?
How do you handle nap times and ensure each baby’s sleep needs are met?
hi young parents visiting and speaking with caregivers at potential daycare centers is crucial to understand their philosophy and daily routine. This ensures alignment with your needs and your baby’s temperament.