Going back to work next week - Daycare concerns

So on top of thinking about going back to work I have been stressing myself out about a couple concerns I have with DD going to daycare...

DD will be 3 months old tomorrow.

Concern #1 - She's not on a schedule. She eats around every 3 hours. She gets tired when she's been awake for about an hour and a half. I feed her when she shows signs of being hungry and I put her down for a nap when she gets tired. They want me to write down her "schedule". Are they going to follow what I write down to the minute?

Concern #2 - She naps the best since I started swaddling when she naps. Will they swaddle?

I have to go there Monday or Tuesday to drop some of her things off (I go back to work on Wednesday) and I will ask these questions when I get there, but I wanted to know what general experiences are, especially with my schedule concerns.

I just want DD to be happy. She's such a happy, smiley girl during the day. I hate to think of her being miserable all day long because she's hungry or cranky.

Re: Going back to work next week - Daycare concerns

You have to ask your Daycare these very questions. My daycare goes by what I say to do. they are too young to be put 'on a daycare schedule" KWIM?

Write down for ex;

eats every three hours
sleepy when she rubs her eye, fussy
usually naps every two hours.
Needs to be swaddled for naps!!!

If it's a "good" daycare..they will go by what mom says!!

Re: Going back to work next week - Daycare concerns

i sounds like you have her pretty much on a schedule. you dont have to write the exact times, but let them know each morning the time she woke up and had her bottle and then from there they know every 3 hours to give a bottle. they can tell signs of her getting tired and will put her down for a nap. you'll see...a couple of weeks in daycare and she will be on a set schedule.

my daycare always swaddled DS for naps. they can tell if its needed or not, but its good to just let them know.

Re: Going back to work next week - Daycare concerns

I would write that she feeds every 3 hours and give approximation for nap. They usually use it as a guideline anyway...if DC appears tired they will give nap.

As far as the swaddling thing goes...I would check with your daycare. Many licensed facilities will not allow blankets in the crib...not even a sleep sack. I'm not 100% sure if thats a NYS regulation because my daycare has blankets in the crib while my sisters daycare said nothing in the crib at all.

Re: Going back to work next week - Daycare concerns

I remember how stressful it was right before I went back to work. I had the boys on my own schedule at home and was afraid that the daycare wouldn't keep them on a schedule. They really figured out a schedule that works best for the boys when they are there. My boys wouldn't even sleep in a crib before we started daycare so I wrote that they had to nap in bouncy seats. (They probably laughed when they read that.) When I went to pick them up after the 1st day, both boys were passed out in their cribs!

I think I wrote that their schedule was, "Eat every 3 hours; nap as needed using bouncy seats." I think some places do swaddle if u request it. Who knows, she may not even need it.

The transition was a lot easier for the boys than it was for me.

You'll both do fine!

Re: Going back to work next week - Daycare concerns

Wow, I think I got so intimidated by the word "schedule" I didn't think of "every 3 hours" being a schedule. I automatically thought of a time schedule.

I will definitely find out about the swaddling. I don't know if it matters, but I am in CT.

You ladies did make me feel better, thank you.

Re: Going back to work next week - Daycare concerns

Try not to worry to much - I know, it's so hard!!

My daycare is a small in-home place so I think she had more leeway with some of the scheduling, - we didnt have much of one at home anyway but DS was eating about every 3 hours and napping whenever.

Our daycare lady did let DS sleep in the swing for a while (I requested it) but once she started him in the crib, she didn't want to use the swaddle - she said b/c it was a restraint, she didn't know if she would get in trouble if she had an inspection (I am pretty sure if she had my written permission she would be fine) but without, she would still get him to sleep for a few hours - we couldn't/can't usually get him to nap more then an hour at home.

Re: Going back to work next week - Daycare concerns

DS started around 3 months too and he is just over 4 months now and still not on a schedule...I think.

They just go by his cues. I gave them a very general "Eat, play, sleep" routine and they go by that. If he is extra fussy they might give him more milk. Other than that they are very good and figuring him out.

Lots of luck!

Re: Going back to work next week - Daycare concerns

I was there! My DD went to daycare at 8 weeks and I was SOOO nervous.
She also was not on a schedule...but that's ok- Daycare is used to that.
The woman who takes care of my DD is amazing- they cater to her needs- and work around HER schedule.
Write down that she is to eat 'on demand'- they will follow her cues.
It will be fine!

Yes bring the swaddle! Tell them that she naps in it, and they will use it.

The first day is the hardest- it gets easier and easier!

Let me know if you have any other questions- I'm like a pro by now!

Message edited 10/20/2010 10:25:13 AM.