Navigating the transition of your baby to daycare sleep is possible with time and collaboration. Is your baby going to sleep as well at daycare as they do at home? Probably not. But there are a range of tips and tricks you can use to ensure your baby’s journey to settling in at daycare is as smooth as possible.
Expert tips on helping your baby sleep in daycare and childcare
Like with all things baby, there are no definitive rules when it comes to transitioning to daycare sleeping. Take some time to establish new routines, create consistency, stay in communication with your baby’s carers and try out some of these expert tips.
Arrange some daycare visits in advance
Most daycare or childcare facilities are happy to provide you and your baby with a couple of sessions to become familiar with the space before you commence your official care period. This provides a great opportunity for your baby to become more comfortable with new faces, sights, sounds and smells.
Spending a few hours with your baby in their new space can help orientate them and prevent the first few days of their daycare journey from being too overwhelming. It gives you both a chance to see where they will have their daycare nap and what sort of light, sound and activity levels might be present.
Provide familiar sleep aids
At least for the first few months, pack a bag with your baby’s own sleep kit. This can help your baby with napping at daycare. Consider packing your baby’s:
- Sleeping bag
- Fitted sheet from home
- White noise device if they use one
- Comfortable bodysuit or sleepsuit
- Including some of your baby’s personal items can soften the transition by providing familiarity.
