day care - am I overreacting?

Izzygrim

DS starts DC on Monday. Today I brought him there to meet the provider (in-home) and the kids. We really like the provider a lot and love that she really treats the kids like family. We have met all four of her own children and they are great.

Question - When we got there (10am), we went outside so the older kids (like 1-3 years old) could play with the water table. We were there for about an hour. It's 90degrees here. There was plenty of shade and DS pretty much napped on her the whole time we were there. By the time we left he was pretty sweaty (I'm assuming a combination of both the heat and napping on her). Should I be worried that she had the kids out on such a hot day? I didn't think anything of it while we were there, but now of course I'm worrying that LO is going to end up with heat exhaustion next week or something. Part of me thinks I'm overreacting, because it could have been hotter and because it's not like she is going to keep the kids inside all day (we love that they have a lot of outside time).

WDYT? Should I be concerned about DS being out in the heat or am I'm overreacting because I'm a FTM anxious about sending LO to daycare for the first time?

Musiclover2012

Will he be in the shade? I would personally ask her flat out how long she has them on on hot days like that.  Depending upon the temp and humidity it would be ok (IMO) for him to be reclined in a stroller in the shade, he would get much hotter being held like that.  Again though, it all depends upon how humid it is and such. Our daycare does not take the infants out at this age, only when they are a little older do they go for stroller walks with hats and sunblock on (6 months plus).

dixee.deluxe

I'm the one who brought up having babies out in heat in hot weather.  BUT, I take Adeline out in 90 degree heat.  I just make sure her skin stays kind of cool.  I keep her in the shade.  If she gets fussy, I take her in.  I also don't really HOLD her when we're outside.  I keep her in her bouncer so she won't get all hot from my body heat.

I take Edie out as long as there's no heat advisory.  I really pay attention to those.  Espeically so she can play on her water table.  She's 21mo old. 

I'd talk to the DCP about it and voice your concerns.  She probably has some good advice/feedback.  And also, the way she reacts to your concerns is a good indication of how the working mom/DCP relationship is going to be!

GOOD LUCK!

Izzygrim

I wish the anxiety would have started while I was still there so that I could have asked her about it. Of course while I was there I didn't think anything of it, it was only after I left that I started worrying. Being an anxious person in general I don't always know in these types of situations if I'm just overreacting or if it's mommy instinct. Luckily it's going to cool down so it won't be an issue, but I'll have to ask her about it anyways. Thanks ladies!

shouldbworkin

I think an hour in the shade, especially in the AM when it's cooler, is acceptable.  Sweating a little is ok.  Just make sure she gives him plenty of milk to drink and lets you know if he needs/takes more b/c it's hot.  I'd also ask that she bring him in if he is showing any signs of the heat affecting him, but I'm sure she'd do that for all the kids. 

Musiclover2012

Izzygrim:

I wish the anxiety would have started while I was still there so that I could have asked her about it. Of course while I was there I didn't think anything of it, it was only after I left that I started worrying. Being an anxious person in general I don't always know in these types of situations if I'm just overreacting or if it's mommy instinct. Luckily it's going to cool down so it won't be an issue, but I'll have to ask her about it anyways. Thanks ladies!

Always trust your mama instincts and be your baby's best advocate.  Never feel afraid to ask your DCP a question, you'd hate to regret that someday if anything crazy/tragic  happens.

DragonflyBelle

This issue is why I didn't put Juliana in an at-home daycare with older kids when she was little. I didn't want her outside in the extreme temps and she didn't have anyone to watch her while the rest played.

jcsntms06

I would ask the provider how much time she spends outside on given days above 90 degrees. 

My dcp only take kids out early and only for 30-45 minutes. If its over 90 they may not go out at all. 

Izzygrim

Thanks ladies. I'm feeling a lot better about it, but to ease my mind I will ask her about it on Monday. I would just hate to have to find another DCP because we totally love her otherwise!

CM1206

State licensing has temperature regulations. Check with your state. It's a combo of heat and humidity. And certain combos allow for a certain time period. Sometimes it's only 10 minutes outside, sometimes it's 40, and sometimes there are no restrictions. Same goes for cold weather too.