Taking Baby to Child Care for the First Time

Taking your little one to child care can be a difficult decision and an emotional experience. Here are a few ways to ease the transition from being at home together to being apart for the first time.

You can download this resource HERE.

Know that you have a choice

• Visit the centers or home care establishments you are interested in to get a feel for the environment, the staff, the procedures, and their standards
• Ask about what they do for babies transitioning into their care
• Take your baby with you when you visit so they can begin to feel comfortable in a new environment
• Make a decision based on what you feel is best for your family

Pack your baby’s bag the night before to avoid the anxiety of being in a hurry

• Be sure to include something that will give your baby a sense of security, like a favorite stuffed animal, toy, or blanket

Start a relationship with your care provider and communicate openly

• Your care provider can tell you a lot about your baby’s behavior and development
• You can tell your care provider important information about your baby
• When you work together, your baby will receive the attention and care they need