Will my child adapt to daycare is always the lingering question for many parents. Changing a child's environment is very challenging not only for the baby but also for the parents. Taking your toddler to daycare can be exciting but very tough. The whole ordeal changes their regular routine and exposes the baby to a new environment and caregivers. Daycare is one of the prescribed routines outside the home that a kid may participate in before joining school.

Children aged 8 to 12 months adapting to daycare may be more challenging as the child experiences separation anxiety when away from their parents. The adaption period usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the baby's age. It takes a lot of trust to allow someone to care for and educate your child. During this change of routine, the child will be uncomfortable and scared of spending the day away in the new environment.

12 Ways to help your child adapt to daycare

Here are some of the tips to assist your child adapt to daycare quickly and get them settled:

• Talk with the baby about the daycare facility

A parent should explain to the kid about the fun in the daycare, even if the kid is young. Let the baby know that other kids are in the daycare to play and have fun with them. Explain the caregiver is an exemplary educator who will be there for them.

• Give the baby time for adjustment.

One of the most important things a parent should do is to give them plenty of time to adapt to daycare environment. Some kids adapt to the new environment quickly, while others need more time to feel safe and comfortable. A parent needs to provide the kid with plenty of support and encouragement.

• Visit the daycare center before the baby joins the place

Have a visit with the baby to the facility for the kid to explore the place and get the opportunity to know the people who will care for them. Let the baby see other kids in the daycare so that the baby can feel safe.

• Create a helpful morning routine.

Having a morning routine for the baby will help your child know what to expect when they wake up each day. Make sure you have plenty of time in the morning to prepare the baby so that you don't feel rushed. Conduct common morning routines like diaper change or potty usage, washing hands, eating breakfast, brushing teeth, and getting dressed with your baby.

• Adjust the child's sleep schedule.

If the baby starts daycare programs, it’s good for the parent to wake the child a little earlier to ensure you have plenty of time to get ready. This will allow you to adjust your child's bedtime schedule.

• Plan for breastfeeding time.

If the baby is still breastfeeding, it’s advisable for the parent to have better arrangements for breastfeeding schedule. If you have leisure time, visit the daycare and breastfeed the child.

• Communicate with the educator about your baby

It’s wise for a parent to give any information about the baby, like:

1. What does the child like eating
2. The sleeping habits of the baby
3. Games the child is interested in

• Bring familiar items from home to the daycare.

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Bringing familiar items from home to the daycare assures a child of the new environment. It's obvious for the baby to miss the playing items found in their homes. These familiar items will provide the child with security and comfort.

• Encourage social interaction with other kids.

 Encouraging social interaction is very important as it helps the child adjust to daycare by making new friends with whom they will have fun. The child will also develop social skills, which will help the baby to feel more comfortable and confident.

• Have positive emotions

Try to remain positive and confident that all is ok. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions when the baby starts daycare, as it might be the first time you have been away from your child since they were born. A Child quickly picks up parents' emotions and may become more frustrated by seeing your reactions.

• Encourage the child's independence.

As the child spends time at daycare, it’s an amazing opportunity that allows the kid to gain important independence skills like:

1. Eating independently
2. Getting dressed alone

• Wave goodbye with confidence

Saying goodbye with confidence makes the baby feel safe and secure. For the first days of the week, expect tears from the baby, and leaving the baby crying and screaming is the toughest part that makes a parent feel bad. It’s good to remain calm, although it's very hard for both of you, but it will also provide an opportunity for your child and their educator to deepen their relationship.

Child Adapt to daycare: Benefits of daycare to a child

1. The child increases socialization with other kids, building self-confidence and friendships.
2. More learning opportunities for the baby
3. A child can access new learning technologies and the different toys available in the daycare.
4. Daycare offers access to experienced and caring educators for the baby.

Leaving your child adapt to daycare life is the hardest decision any parent would make. However, it's the best as it opens your baby to a whole new life. Children with daycare experience tend to build socialization skills quickly and adapt to different environments seamlessly.