#1 Feeding schedules and using a bottle

Try to transition your baby to a consistent feeding schedule before returning to work. Most babies will always listen to their tummy clock and eat when it's time to be fed. Breastfed babies will need to be able to take a bottle while in care. Please start early and have daddy or another person help with this.

Some babies have a hard time taking a bottle when there is a lot of activity and noise around them. You can practice by feeding while the TV is on or turning on the radio and playing exciting music. You can also try feeding your baby in other loud and nosy places.

#2 Getting Baby to Sleep in a Crib

Some babies only want to sleep while being held in warm and loving arms. Who doesn't want to cuddle a sleeping baby?

However, as we have several babies we are caring for, this is not a practical option for us.

The state of Texas requires that babies sleep in cribs and on their backs (until they can roll over on their own) to reduce the risk of SIDS. The best way to help a baby accept sleeping in a crib is to continuously offer it to them. We will lay your baby in their crib each time they sleep and soothe them to try and help them get comfortable. 

Additionally, many states mandate that a baby is not to be swaddled or placed in a crib with a blanket while at daycare. We can however use sleep sacks and the babies love them.

#3 Transition to childcare

Sometimes older babies have a tougher time transitioning into child care. It is important to note that separation anxiety can start for some babies around the ages of 6 months. However, the younger your baby is, the smoother this transition will be. During your final week of maternity leave, consider starting your baby with half days at daycare; this can help ease both parents and the baby into the new routine.  

#4 Names!

Please, please, label all of your baby's belongings. Many items are the same or similar to that of another child. We need your help to make sure all of your child’s belongings stay with your child.

#5 Prepare your mind for illnesses to happen

Germs are everywhere, and the best cleaner in the world only kills 99.99% of germs, so there's always that one little bugger (that .01%) that will not go away. We work very hard to disinfect toys and surfaces throughout the day. Even still, your baby will likely get sick at some point. You may even get sick too. Try to mentally prepare for this, and we will get through it together.