How To Make Sure Your Toddler Feels Comfortable At Their Daycare

A large space in a daycare center

Sending a toddler to daycare isn’t an easy decision for any parent. However, for most of us, it’s an unavoidable situation. But of course, you’re going to feel a bit anxious—and maybe even guilty—about the big transition, and you’re going to want to make sure that your child goes to daycare happy and comfortable.

It’s important to understand, though, that most usually adapt quickly to new spaces and conditions, and once they make friends at daycare, you wouldn’t have much to worry about.

So, take that leap of faith and start looking up daycare for toddlers, and follow these simple steps as you send them off to their new adventures.

Make Sure to Gradually Ease Them into The Transition

This goes without saying, but if your child has never been away from home without you, plunging them into a full day of daycare for their very first time would be a mistake. At best, they’ll cry for the whole day; at worst, they’ll be traumatized for a lifetime.

Instead, try and ease the transition. You can visit the daycare facility with them for a few days. Let them familiarize themselves with the space and the people, especially staff members and other children. Once you feel like they’re a bit more comfortable, and mingling with other kids, consider leaving them on their own for 20 minutes while you run a small chore.

Slowly move to half a day before going on for a full day when they’re completely comfortable at their daycare.

Make Sure They Have Everything They’ll Need

You may not realize this because everything you need is always within reach at home, but there’s so much that’s required to take care of a toddler throughout the day.

We suggest making a checklist that you can use to pack everything the night before you leave your child at daycare. Having things they’re already familiar with will help them feel more comfortable, and it’ll also help the daycare staff know about your child’s preferences and comfort levels.

Also, make sure to pack their favorite toy or a familiar blanket or napkin that can make them feel closer to home at all times.

A toddler at daycare

Let Them Know They Can Reach Out to You Any Time

In general, it’s always a good idea to do regular check-ins with the daycare staff. This will help you maintain good communication, and you’ll get to learn about your child’s milestones and progress.

At the same time, make it a point to let your child know that you’re never out of reach, and they can always request the teacher to contact you if needed. This will help them feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar space.

If you’d like to learn more about comfortable daycares or are looking for a reliable daycare center in Overland Park KS, you can reach out to our team at Ivy League Learning Center & Nursery.

We’re an infant daycare and can help make your child feel safe and happy while you’re at work.

Give us a call to learn more!How To Make Sure Your Toddler Feels Comfortable At Their Daycare