Starting Daycare

FunkyPhoenix · January 2014

Hi All. I'm new to this board as I've been SAHM to DS since he was born in June. I'm going back to work full time and should be starting daycare within the next couple weeks. ::Tear:: I plan to have him there 3 days per week for the first couple weeks to acclimate us both (mostly me I'm sure) before I start back to work full time. In the meantime I have a couple questions:

1. Has anyone started their LO in daycare when they were around this age (almost 7 mo)? If so, how were those first few days? Was their sleep schedule completely thrown off? What about nights? What should I expect?

2. Does anyone who makes their own purées send them to daycare for LO or do you just use pouches during the weekdays? If homemade, is it already thawed when you send it and how do they warm it?

Thanks and here's a pic of my squish!

shannm · January 2014

I can't speak to the first question, we started younger.

But I did send homemade food. More for DS then I got lazy for DD but I did send some homemade purées. Your DCP shouldn't care but you can ask just to make sure. I froze things in ice cube trays and then would pull them out when packing for the next day.

Good luck!

ccam · January 2014

We started DS at DC around the same time, right before 7 months. We also only do 3 days a week (T,W & F). It took a few weeks for him to get adjusted and begin taking consistent naps at DC. He would come home happy but exhausted at first, but his nighttime sleep was not effected. We would just put him down a little earlier. I really think if he was going the full 5 days, he would have adjusted a little quicker, but with the broken up week, it took him a little longer. He has always enjoyed DC though and is happy there.

I made all of DS's food and sent it to daycare. I would send his breakfast in warm since they would feed him right away. Then for his lunch, I would take out a few cubes of frozen puree the night before. By the next morning, they would be defrosted and ready to go. DC uses the crock pot to warm up stuff, or the microwave. We also had the refillable pouches, those are good for homemade purees. I would leave a few containers of puffs there that he could snack on, too.

Good luck!

djm31012 · January 2014

we started exactly the same age and to be honest 6 mos later, DS just still doesnt sleep great at day care. He will usually take like 2 half hour to 45 min naps...occassionally one of the naps will last an hour but thats like every other week. hes only there 2 days a week. it never affected his night time sleep or the way he sleeps when hes at home so we have been lucky in that department.

I have always sent in homemade foods although i do keep like 2 squeezers there for extra snacks in case hes hungry. My day care also heats up in the crock pot so just check and see what protocol is for your center, mine doesnt have a problem heating up food but some centers wont do it.

jesuisfatiguee · January 2014

DS started around 8 months. Yes, his sleep schedule has been thrown off and hasn't recovered - BUT we've adjusted during the week, and it's ok

He takes 2-3 naps when he's home with me, but only one nap at daycare, so as soon as we get home, I'm getting him to bed. It took us a good month to really adjust to the situation.

I send pouches right now because I don't have the equipment or the energy to make pureés (I know, I'm horrible). It costs a little more, and I have a little less control in what he's eating because of pre-made combinations and such, but right now it works for us.

Most DC's I ever visited warm everything except breast milk in the microwave. You'll have to check with your DCP.

emberlee3 · January 2014

DD started daycare at 10 months (nanny before that). She didn't sleep or eat well the first week or so. Her teacher was awesome and held her for naps for the first few days. I sent home made food. I thawed in the fridge at home the night before.

jf198400 · January 2014

My DS started DC at 8 months (was home with Grandmom before that). He adjusted fine and was very happy to be around other babies. His naps were terrible (like 2 30min naps per day) but he made up for it by going to bed earlier (7pm) and napping longer on the weekends. His naps didn't get better until he moved up at 1yr to toddler room. All the kids nap together in a quiet dark room, so now he sleeps about 1.5hrs. Also before I went back to work he was Sttn and then when I went to work he started waking up at night more often, so be prepared for that to happen too.

FunkyPhoenix · January 2014

@jf198400 Eek! That's what I'm hoping does NOT happen with my LO (night time sleep effected). He already only naps for on avg 45 min at a time during the day so who knows what will happen there, but the night times, we are just getting into a routine of only one wake up to eat then easily back down.

Thank you all for the feedback and support! I appreciate you!

mommymegan831 · January 2014

Both of my kids started daycare at almost 6 months and they were fine. I sent them in with homemade frozen food that they heated in the microwave. DD started with a SAHM and never had an issue napping, DS, who napped terribly at home, actually napped better and more consistently at DC

SLGILL1978 · January 2014

For the first question, my daughter started at 8 weeks and again at 6 months (I work for the school district). When she was 6 months it was easier. My daughter started at an in home daycare and my babysitter loved taking pictures and videos of the kids.
My daughter's sleep schedule wasn't thrown off at all. My babysitter prefers to have the kids on a loose schedule. She lays all the babies down for a nap at 10am (for 1 hr) and at 1pm (for 2.5 hrs). As far as expectations it depends on what type of childcare you have. Some go by baby's cues and other have a schedule the set for the kids.

For the second question, I can't answer. My babysitter provides all the food for the kids. She makes it herself and I only provide formula (along with wipes and diapers).

Love the baby pic! He is a cutie!

Lgrant0714 · January 2014

My first started child care at 6 months and transitioned fine...my second at 10 weeks and also transitioned fine. I think it was mostly because of their easy temperaments. I have been a child care director for the past 13 years and I will say, typically the children who start right away (6-12 weeks) have an easier time then those that are a little older (6mos +). A lot of this has to do with the fact that you and your little one have had a lot of time to form really tight attachments before being introduced to new caregivers. It can take up to a month sometimes to finally feel like you have a smooth transition at drop off time (no tears for you or him) but rest assured he will get used to his new school. Many times there are rules and regulations that dictate how the provider cares for your child, but just ask tons of questions...they should be well versed in what they can and cannot do. Food should always be warmed in a crock pot or warm water (never a microwave!). Best of luck!!

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