Supporting Your Infant’s Transition Into Care

 

Starting childcare is a big transition for infants and families. New environments, caregivers, routines, and separation can all be stressful for young children. This page shares how we support infants during this transition and what helps make the adjustment more comfortable while in our care. Our goal is not to direct how families parent at home, but to explain our program practices and how consistency supports a child’s comfort during daycare.

 

 

Feeding Readiness

To support comfort and adequate nutrition during the day, infants must be able to accept a bottle prior to their first day of care. Infants who do not accept a bottle will not be accepted into care. All feeding supplies, including bottles, nipples, and milk, must be provided by the family and should already be used successfully at home. While we offer patience during the adjustment period, we are not able to introduce bottle feeding from scratch.

 

Sleep at Daycare

For safety and consistency, all infants sleep independently on their backs in a crib or approved safe sleep space. We do not co sleep, provide routine contact naps (holding a child so they can sleep), or allow sleep in bouncers, swings, or similar equipment.

Some infants who are accustomed to close contact or co sleeping at home may need additional time to adjust to independent sleep during the day. Differences between home and daycare sleep routines can lead to shorter naps and overtiredness.

 

Supporting a Smooth Transition

When infants are not getting adequate daytime sleep, it can be harder for them to regulate their nervous system and settle comfortably in a group setting. This may also impact the overall care environment. Families are encouraged to support the transition by practicing bottle feeding and independent naps at home when possible and keeping routines as consistent as possible. An adjustment period is expected. If feeding or sleep challenges continue beyond this period, we will communicate with families to discuss next steps or program fit. Our priority is supporting each child’s comfort, well being, and emotional regulation during this important transition.