Anyone have their babies in daycare?

Question

My daughter will be going into daycare soon (right now she's with my husband during the day) and I'm so worried about how that's gonna go.

She's never been without one of us for longer than a few hours. I'm so worried she's going to be scared and think we just abandoned her. My heart literally hurts at the thought of it.

She's four months and she still really likes being held and engaged and being held soothes her when she's upset. I'm so worried she's going to cry a lot there. It's a really great daycare, so it's not like I think they'll neglect her...but I am not someone okay with a baby crying it out at all. They have a limit of three babies to one adult but I'm still so worried. I don't think anything else has made me this generally sad at the thought of it. I feel like someone kicked me in the stomach.

Does anyone have any insight, advice, or help?

Answer

Sorry Jess :( my girl will be with her grandparents so I don't know that feeling. However, my mom did do daycare in our home for a LONG time and I know a lot of day care providers through her. I know that's a little different than a center and everyone is different but she will adjust and become comfortable with who is taking care of her. She may cry in the beginning for a while but she will be ok. Also, from what I have seen, a lot of good providers won't let a baby cry it out. As we know, most of the time when they cry it means they need something. They are good at multitasking just like we are so they can try to soothe a baby and do other things as well. It's harder on us than it is on them, although that doesn't make it any easier. Good luck mama.

Answer

Daycare was really good for my daughter. She is an only child (until July) and she will be 6 years old. It taught her social skills, gave her a routine, and introduced her to the structure she needed once she started school. She made some great friends, learned how to deal with conflict, and learned math, science, and language early on. She never was scared to go there and she felt safe. When I'd drop her off, sometimes I wouldn't even get a hug or kiss because she was too excited to be there.

Answer

As a preschool (not daycare) teacher, I can only tell you that your child will notice when you are nervous about the person (facility) you're giving your child too. If you are confident and positive that this is the best possible place for your child while it can't be with you, your child will transition easier. It's rarely the kids that can't let go, it's often the parents.

Answer

Dear lord. My thoughts exactly. My little man is almost 15 weeks and I just can't leave him yet - I don't think anyone will give him the attention thay he needs and the thought breaks my heart into a million pieces.

Answer

My little girl is nearly six months old. She has done three sessions in the past few weeks and as of this week she will be going two days a week. She was the same, she had never been without one of us for more than a few hours, but she has done really well in child care (new toys and lots of kids to watch). Build up slowly if you can (a visit with you, a two hour session, a half day etc). I felt like you. The thought of leaving her really hurt. Once she had a few sessions and I knew she was enjoying it, I felt a lot better.

Answer

Hi Jess!  I have the same exact concerns as you.  My daughter will be 11 weeks when I return to work.  It hurts my heart thinking about going back to work and leaving her with strangers, essentially.  We opted for an in-house daycare based on the recommendation of someone I know -- had a waitlist to get in.  We need to drop off the paperwork for her, so maybe talking to the daycare owners will help.

My daughter still wants to be held all the time -- my doctor said she's too young to cry it out.  My worry is that they will neglect her since they have other kids to attend to as well.  Plus, she's starting to smile and it makes me sad thinking about all the milestones I'll be missing.  She's super alert and sharp and I hope that they will give her the attention that she needs.

I feel selfish since I do want to return to work.  I worked really hard in graduate school and I am finally working in the field that I got my degree in, so I don't want to give it up.  But, the more time I spend with her, the harder it is to think about leaving her.  I'm hoping that we can all support each other through the transition.

Anyone have their babies in daycare?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey