You’ll feel more confident about leaving your infant in child care when you’ve made sure your care giver offers your baby a safe, caring, stimulation environment. Use the checklist to help you when you search and interview. Additionally, when searching for care for your baby, look for:
- A caregiver who is caring and committed to providing a secure, trusting foundation for you child.
- A smaller group size. Smaller is better for children from birth to two-years-old.
- A setting that allows infants to set their own schedule for naps and feedings. programs that adapt to an infant’s needs.
- An environment that is safe for infants to explore. Infants need to be free to explore beyond their cribs and playpens.
- A setting where your baby will be held, talked to, sung to, and cuddled. Talking and singing to infants promotes language development.
- A caregiver who will communicate well with you. Find a caregiver that you will feel comfortable talking to about your child.
- A setting that will allow you to start out with care gradually. Work up to full day care.
Be positive in your choice. Even infants can sense your mood, your worries and concerns.
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