G is starting daycare next Tuesday Since I went back to work full-time at 6 weeks PP, he has been at our home during the day with various family members. This just isn't working for us anymore, and we're aching for more of a routine and schedule. He will be in an at-home daycare close to where I live/work so I can still visit him on my lunch break every day and nurse him.
What have you learned from your daycare experiences that you wish you would have done differently to start with? What things did you find out are necessary and maybe not so much. Do you pack a bag everyday or leave a bunch of stuff at daycare? I feel so unprepared! She said we could do whatever is easier for us, but I'm hoping F'14 has some tips/tricks for me to help make the transition easier
TIA!
Re: Your must haves for daycare
DD goes to an in home 'sitter' and only twice a week. I keep a bag packed that I refill when I get home. I usually send 2 spare outfits, a bib, a burp rag, a package of wipes, tube of aquaphor, about 10 diapers, a blanket (she doesn't usually use one), and then bottles, formula, puree in a bowl, spoon, sippy cup, wipe-able bib, her taggie blanket, and pacifier.
When she was actually going to the daycare provider (before they closed), I left a package of diapers and a package of wipes there. Then everything else I would put in a bag and bring each day she was there.
dx PCOS 2007
BFP #1 (natural) 12/23/2010. Stillbirth due to IC 4/2/2011
TTC #2 starting 03/2012
RE starting 07/2012
05/2013 BFP on a Letrozole (Femara)/trigger!
Cerclage, Procardia, Makena, GD (with insulin), MBR, and we made it!
Our Angel was born sleeping at 20 weeks due to IC.
Baby Girl #2 is on her way!
Definitely leave things like diapers and spare clothes there so you don't have to haul a full bag every day. One less thing to pack/drag/forget. If you're BFing you'll likely send milk daily, but most FFing moms leave a canister there and bring new as needed. Either way you'll have to bring fresh bottles daily.
We keep a sweatshirt for LO, especially helpful in the fall/spring when temps vary throughout the day, and in the winter a snowsuit/boots/hat at daycare for outdoor time.