Help with Transitioning to Day Care

Toni79 · March 2014

This week is DDs last week at the babysitters (my cousin). She doesn't start at the Day Care Center until April 21, so we still have 3 weeks to go. We are doing some creative scheduling, between DH, me, my mom, and MIL, so we have coverage for the next 3 weeks!

But I'm looking for suggestions to help with the transition to the Day Care Center.

I'm already planning on taking her over there as much as I can in the next 3 weeks for "play dates". So that she can meet the teachers and other kids. I haven't work out the schedule yet, but it looks like DH or I will be able to get her over there about 8-9 times in a 3 week period. I'm worried because there is a differant teacher in the a.m. and afternoon. I'd like her to get time with both teachers. But I also think its more important to get her more time with the a.m. teacher since that will be the person mommy leaves her with. (If that makes sence). I'm also worried because DH has taken time over the next 3 weeks. So he will be the one taking her to most of the "play dates". However once she starts, I'm the one that does all the drop offs and most of the pick ups. So I'm worried that DD will accociate the DC with DH and get upset when I take her there (and leave her). I know I'm probably completly over thinking this!

I've also started getting her on the Day Care's sleep schedule. DD was still taking 2 naps a day (mostly because I wake her up crazy early). But about a month ago we started working on transitioning to 1 nap. Her nap is still about 30 mins earlier than it will be at DC. But I don't think that will be too much of an issue.

I've been reading some stuff online but most of the suggestions have to do with slightly older kids going to pre-school or kindergarden. Like, should I call it school? Is that more exciting or relatable to her? Her babysitters kids go to school and she sees them get on the bus everyday and come home everday. So she might understand the concept of going to school (although she will not be on a school bus).

Another suggestin I've read say to let your LO pick out a special back pack. Cute idea. But I'm not sure what she'd be putting in the backpack. The DC, I mean "school", provides all meals, snacks, diapers, etc. I have to provide sheets, diaper creame, etc. But there is nothing we'd be taking back and forth every day, except maybe a lovey for nap time.

Which brings me to the concept of a lovey ... my DD is NOT super attached to anything (other than me). Should I get her more attached to something? Since Christmas, I've been sending a baby doll back and forth with her. She does love it. But on days that we forget it, its not the end of the world - she doesn't even notice. She doesn't sleep with the doll. I have a small Lamaze Owl in her crib that has always been there (once old enough), but she doesn't pay much attention to it. It just lays in the corner. I'm wondering if I should start letting her take her baby to bed. But I'm worried that she'll just want to play with it and not sleep.

I also want to find a few books about starting school. That might help. Any reccomendations?

Ok, sorry so long! I'd love to hear suggestions!

ccam · March 2014

We transitioned DS to daycare at 7 months so it's going to be a lot different, but thought I'd give my two cents. Definitely take advantage of dropping her off a few times before she starts. We started out with doing half days and I think that helps with the transition. When DS transitioned to the big boy room, they would take him over there for a few hours a day so he got used to it. They said he was very quiet at first and to himself, but he quickly became part of the group. I don't think I'd worry about the whole drop off thing, she probably will get upset when you drop her off at first, but that will change. DH normally does drop off and I do pick up. On the odd days that I do drop off, DS still gets super clingy and doesn't want me to leave, but he gets over that quickly. You kind of have to just turn around, walk away and let the teacher take over - the longer you hang around, the harder it is. I usually hang out in the hallway to make sure he calms down and he does within seconds. Our nap schedule at home and DC's schedule has never been the same - he's done fine with it. We also do call it school but not for any other reason than it's easier. If you don't have a use for a back pack, maybe have her pick out a new sippy just for school or a new blanket that you'll be sending to school. DS would have no use for a back pack yet either. We also don't send a lovey, he has his sheet and blanket from home that he cuddles with. It will probably be a transition but she'll do fine! Good luck!

ccam · March 2014

Don't know where my paragraphs went - sorry!

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