Is Your Baby Happy at Daycare?
Making the Right Childcare Choice for Your Infant
Non-verbal infants cannot communicate whether or not they are happy at daycare, but they can let you know in other ways if you are observant.
Having a non-verbal infant in daycare can be a challenge for parents because your baby can not tell you how he is adjusting to child care. With older children it is easier because they have the ability to communicate with you if there are any problems. An infant is unable to verbally communicate that she is unhappy at daycare, but there are a variety of other ways to determine whether or not your infant is happy while you are away at work.
Observe Daycare Drop-offs
While it is normal for infants to cling to their parents during daycare drop-offs, this behavior should improve over time. Infants that are happily adjusted to daycare during the day should stop crying shortly after their parents leave their sight and settle in to another activity. Babies will go through phases where they are more anxious about separating from their parents than others, and it is not uncommon for a well adjusted baby to suddenly feel anxious watching their parents leave. If crying seems excessive at drop offs or does not get better over time, it may be a clue that the daycare is not a good fit for your baby.
Make a Surprise Visit
Most daycare centers and daycare providers should allow you to stop by and visit occasionally during the day. If they are against this practice it may be time to look for a new daycare. If you suspect your infant is having trouble adjusting to daycare, try making a surprise visit during the day. This gives you a good opportunity to see your baby as he really is during the day, and not simply during stressful times like drop off and pick up. Look to see whether your infant is able to be close to the other children as they play and observe what they are doing. Is your baby happily engaged in some sort of an activity? Babies thrive on a routine. Stopping by their daycare in the middle of the day gives you a chance to see if the routine is working for them.
Talk with your Daycare Provider
Maintain open communication with your daycare provider. They should be keeping you informed of your infant’s activities and behavior during the day. Ask questions if there is anything that you are unsure of. Many daycare providers will provide a daily activity sheet for parents of non-verbal children that includes information such as when your baby ate, how many dirty diapers she had, and her general mood.
Trust Your Instinct
Ultimately, it is your responsibility to determine whether or not your baby is happy in his daycare setting. You know your baby best and you know when he is not acting like himself or seem to be unhappy. If you have ruled out a temporary phase or anxiety caused by teething pain or other illness and you still feel that your baby is unhappy at daycare it may be time to consider other options for your infant’s child care.
