For those back at work, how's daycare going?

Question

What kind of care did you choose and how's the experience going so far? What are some good things about it and what are some not so good things? 
Any questions I should ask specifically before choosing one? We are going to tour a couple tomorrow.
I'm trying to keep myself as positive as I can, but just keep thinking how messed up it is, I feel I'm not going to be the one raising my own baby. Although, I know I need to work hard rn to build the life she deserves. 💕

Answer

Good luck tomorrow! I’m going back to work in February but toured a few last month. My sister use to work at a day care and told me to ask about the turn over rate and what the curriculum is for infants—she said even though they are young, a good day cares can give you an overview of the day. I would check their adult to infant ratio to make sure it’s in compliance with your state’s laws. I also asked about their sleep practices, whether they have an open door policy (so we can come by now and then during the day), and their vaccine policy (it was important to me that all the kids are up to date). The day care we are using comes up with a care plan where you work with the staff to make sure that they know how to get your baby to sleep, their schedule if you have one, and just other things that are important to you, so you could ask if they do something similar.
I am with you in how hard it is to imagine another person taking care of my baby for the day, but seeing where he will be defiantly made it easier. For me the most important thing was that I was comfortable with the staff and safety is their top priority.

Answer

We are using a daycare that my family has been going to for 18 years. My oldest sons infant teacher is now the director. They send updates through a portal they also send pictures and have cameras that you can log in and see what’s going on throughout the day.

Answer

Idk what state you live in, but look up the legal requirements on sleep space. In NJ, cribs in a daycare must be at least 3 feet apart if there’s no wall separating them (for germs’ sake). Also look up the vaccination requirements for their staff; in NJ, daycare staff are not required to get the flu shot, only the TDAP I believe. You can probably find the daycares’ review history online as well. That way you can see if they’ve had any violations, what they were, and if they were addressed. Oh and ask what the diaper-changing policy is (how often do they change (many are on a 2-hour schedule), how do they clean the changing area, and do they wear gloves), how they clean the shared areas like bouncers and swings in between usage (disposable liners? Lysol? Dreft wipes?), and if staff wears shoe covers in the infant room (required here in NJ). You’ll also def wanna ask if they track baby’s feeding/diapers in an app you can look at during the day, if the rooms have cameras and if you’re allowed to view the footage, and what the security procedures are for pick-up and drop-off. Good luck!

Answer

We have had our older daughter in day care 3 days a week since she was 2 months and now our younger daughter has joined her there (different classroom, they separate by age). We love it! Our 2.5 year old talks about her friends all the time and when she plays with her baby dolls she says things like "shh, it's ok honey" or "I know, I know, it'll be ok" which is adorable but it also tells me that the teachers are comforting and sensitive towards the kids. We chose this place after touring a bunch of places. It was easy to choose once we got a feel for a place, so go with one you feel most comfortable with.

Answer

With my first we used an in home daycare. I personally got a good vibe from her and the way she interacted with him. I say go with your gut along with knowing all of the regulations. It’s hard but very worth having a provider that you can trust with your little one! Thankfully my mom now lives close and is able to care for our little ones a few days a week. Good luck!

For those back at work, how's daycare going?

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