Baby Day Care

Choosing Baby Day Care

While some parents are fortunate to have family members care for their children during the day, many more parents must find a reliable, caring daycare facility to take care of their child during the working hours. How can you find a good daycare?

1. Ask your friends and relatives who they use. This is great advice because who would you trust more than a friend or relative? If they love the baby day care facility that their child attends, then chances are you will, too!
2. Visit several daycare centers in your area. If you have received several suggestions for competent daycare facilities, and you are having a hard time deciding which one to use, plan a visit to each of them.
3. Ask your pediatrician. When you think about it, this is a logical approach to finding a good daycare. Pediatricians typically see hundreds of patients, so they may know some of the ins and outs of various daycare providers. Don't hesitate to ask for your doctor's opinion.
4. Check with the state department in your state that governs and licenses daycare centers. Find out if there have been any violations or complaints, and research the reasons for those issues.

What to Look for in a Baby Day Care Center

Just because a friend or relative recommends a daycare provider doesn't necessarily mean that this center will be the perfect match for you and your child. To really get an idea of what the facility is like, you will have to make a visit. The first visit should probably be an impromptu one, in other words a surprise visit. Keep it short and sweet, and if you think you might like what you see, set up an appointment for a more in-depth visit later. There are several questions you should ask and things you should look for, however.

1. What is the ratio of teachers and children in the center? Are there enough teachers to give plenty of attention to all of the children, or are there way too many children per adults?
2. What qualifications do the teachers have? While it is fine for the facility to have some helpers or aides who are not certified, the main teachers should have some type of early childhood certification or degree.
3. How clean are the facilities? First of all, your local health department should have given the facility a numbered rating. Ask to see that sheet, and pay attention to the types of violations, if any, that have been marked on it.
4. What type of schedule do they follow? Children thrive on routines, so it is important that a daycare facility incorporate routines into their daily activities.
5. How willing does the staff appear to listen to parents' wants and needs for their children? Does the staff let parents' wants and concerns go in one ear and out the other, or are they willing to listen to suggestions for specific children and the center as a whole?
6. What types of activities do children participate in? Are there plenty of educational toys, books, playground equipment, etc. for children to use, and are they in good condition?
7. Where will the children eat and sleep during naptime? By all means, take a look at the kitchen/eating area and rest area. Do they appear clean? Do the children have to sleep on the floor, or are there plenty of cots or baby beds to go around?
8. Finally and maybe most importantly, how does the staff interact with the children? Do you see evidence of teachers and staff who are happy to be working and taking care of the children? Is there plenty of laughter? Do the children seem happy and well-adjusted as a whole? Do you notice a quick response time for those children who are crying, hungry, or upset in any way?

Day Care Alternatives

If you simply cannot find a baby day care facility that you are comfortable with, you might want to check into a smaller home-based facility. Keep in mind, though, that even if you find someone who only keeps two or three children in her home, you will still want references. Depending upon the state that you live in, there may still be licensing issues that these home-run daycares must abide by.

You may also choose to hire someone to come to your home and care for your baby. This will typically cost more money, but it might be worth it to you in the long run. You should make sure that you can completely trust the person who will take care of your child, however.

No Substitution

While of course there isn't any substitution for you in the eyes of your baby, you can still find a kind and caring daycare provider for her. Remember, it will be hard on you both in the beginning, but soon you will both have adjusted to the time apart from each other, and you definitely have something wonderful to look forward to at the end of each day...each other! Nannies are awesome!

Related Baby Links

Newborn Baby Care

Newborn Baby Sleep Habits

Breastfeeding Basics

Starting Baby on Solid Foods

Baby Development Stage for the First Six Months

Baby Development Stage for Ages Seven Through Twelve Months

Baby Development Stage for Ages Twelve to Twenty-four Months