Let’s talk about the dreaded "D" word - daycare!

Such an emotionally loaded word for so many parents. The anxiety of leaving our favorite little people with complete strangers and worrying if they're going to be okay.

But fear not, I've got some tips to make the transition a little less painful.

First of all, caffeine is king during any child transition. Seriously, stock up on your coffee or tea of choice, because you're going to need it. And don't be ashamed if you show up to drop off your kid in your partner’s sweats and “house shoes” with an espresso main-line drip…

We've all been there.

Now, let's move on to some real advice: 

1. Visit the daycare beforehand to scope it out and get a feel for the place. It's like online dating - you gotta see if there's any chemistry before committing.

2. Pack some familiar items from home, like a favorite toy or blanket.  But let's be real, they're probably going to forget about it as soon as they see all the toys at daycare. 

3. Ask your child’s daycare teacher what they do to prep for naps and the actual schedule for when said naps are taken.  Chances are, this won’t look anything like what you’ve worked so hard to establish at home, but don’t freak out…

   If your chosen daycare is open to suggestions, print out your kiddo’s existing nap schedule and wind-down routine for the teachers to reference.  This may seem like overkill but trust me – it’s more helpful than you realize.

On the other hand, most daycare facilities follow the “my way or the highway” approach with little interest in honoring any well-meaning mama’s hard-fought sleep schedule.  In that case, ask the teachers for specifics on what does and does not work to get your little one sleeping at school so you can follow suit at home.  Nothing makes a transition harder (on everyone!) than mixing things up between daycare and home every single week. 

4. When it comes to drop-off, take a deep breath and keep your cool. Sure, your child might cry and cling to you like a spider-monkey, but don't worry – they'll forget all about you (in a good way!) as soon as they see the other kids and toys.

And remember, a quick exit is the best exit. Rip the band-aid off and get out of there ASAP before they realize what's happening.

5. And lastly, keep communication open with the staff. Ask them how your little one is doing, and don't be afraid to speak up if something doesn’t feel right. You're a mama bear, after all, and you gotta protect your cubs.

It’s totally natural to feel all the feels when your little one starts daycare, but with a little caffeine and a lot of confidence, you'll make it through…even if you have to fake it for a few weeks (wink wink!).

And who knows, maybe you'll even get some free time to finally get a manicure or grab lunch with a girlfriend.

Cheers to better sleep!

PS. Still need help with your kiddo's sleep at daycare? Experiencing more night wakings since starting at daycare? I got ya, Mama. Book a free 15-min discovery call and let's find the right solution that works best for you and your little one.