Smooth Transitions: Helping Your Baby Sleep at Daycare

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You've held and loved on your baby throughout the early months, relishing in sleepy contact snuggles while you catch up on your own well-deserved rest and sleep. As your maternity leave draws to a close or you find yourself in need of some ‘you time’ childcare is looming on the horizon. The thought of entrusting your baby to someone else fills you with apprehension and worry. How will your little koala find the sleep and comfort they are so used to and need in a new environment with different caregivers? 

Fear not, Mama! 

With some light planning and prep - and a buttload of reassurance from one mama to another, you and your little one can navigate this transition with minimal anxiety. Allow me to share my hot tips on making your baby's transition to sleeping at daycare a breeze.

1. Learn the Childcare Centre's Routine:

Before your little one transitions from cosy daytime naps in your arms to starting daycare, take the time to familiarise yourself with the routine at the centre they will be attending. Does the centre have a specific nap time? Do children sleep at different times throughout the day? Understand the differences between their routine and your home routine, and gradually adjust your baby's nap times to align more closely with those at daycare in the lead-up to starting. This transition can be as simple as shifting naps and bedtime by 10-15 minutes every few days. Being aware of the routine at the centre can also allow you to have some open communication around your child's needs if your child sleeps at 9 am every day and this differs from what happens there it can help to have that discussion and work through options to support this before your baby starts.

2. Lower Your Expectations:

Expect some temporary messiness during this adjustment period, and remember that it's perfectly okay. Your baby will be absolutely fine if they miss a nap or have slight variations in their sleep patterns, such as falling asleep later than usual or waking earlier in the morning. Don't be too hard on yourself or your little one during this transition. Give yourselves time to adapt and find your rhythm. If you're worried about tears and your child being upset or crying themselves to sleep - know that crying in the loving arms of an educator is not the same thing as being left alone - they’ll find their groove!

3. Your Child Doesn't Expect the Same:

You might have said or thought to yourself or others: “My baby will only fall asleep at the breast with me and needs me to stay throughout the nap," or "My baby can only fall asleep with rocking." If you're concerned that your child may have difficulty sleeping because they are used to being fed to sleep, there's no need to fret. Your little one doesn't expect the same soothing techniques from other caregivers right away, just as dads find their own way of soothing and helping baby to sleep so too do the caregivers in the centre. It may take some time for them to establish their own bond and routine with their new caretakers but just remember - building relationships is a process that takes patience and understanding, attachment isn’t an overnight process but learnt through numerous positive and nurturing interactions. 

The educators and your child will learn to dance their dance together and that might not be the same tango you and your baby are doing, but it will be their own rhythm or beautiful foxtrot that will work just as well. And what's also comforting to know is that most babies who go to daycare still treasure the comfort and contact from parents when at home with them - you don’t have to give up the snuggles at all! 

4. Layer on the Sleep Associations:

While preparing your baby for sleep at daycare it can help to start incorporating additional sleep associations during their feeding routine. For example, you can try gently rubbing their back, providing a comforting lovey, or introducing gentle rocking/bouncing motions. Another really beautiful way of keeping you present in these moments at daycare is having a t-shirt or item of yours for the educator to hold as they help support your child to sleep. As you add these associations to your routine at home they can be passed on to the daycare educators, helping your baby feel more secure and at ease during sleep times.

5. Keep Bedtime Flexible:

If your baby's sleep has been disrupted or inconsistent throughout the day, consider aiming for an earlier bedtime to allow them to catch up on their rest. Instead of worrying about sticking rigidly to a set routine, take it day by day and adjust as needed. Flexibility is key during this transition period. 

On the flip side you might even find that your baby or toddler's connection cup is running empty and needs filling when they return home from daycare, so forgoing the early bedtime for more cuddling, playing or breastfeeding if they need it to reestablish reconnection can make nighttime settling easier too. It can go either way - so flexibility is your friend Mama (or as we say in our house ‘flexi is sexy’). 

Above everything, finding the right childcare arrangement is probably the most important step. Finding one that resonates with you and your family and “feels” right can make the transition so much easier for you and your child. There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to what works for you and your family, and if you are after a little more support or guidance my Other Loving Arms workshop guides you through everything you need to know about finding and transitioning to the right childcare centre, the red flags to look out for and the right questions to be asking educators. 

With a little preparation and a gradual approach to the transition, your baby's sleep at daycare can be a smooth and worry-free experience I promise. Your baby will adapt and find comfort in the other loving arms of their caregivers. 

If you are looking for further support in this transition, book in for a parenting session with one of our incredible specialists HERE.