Five Tips for Transitioning to Daycare

Making the transition to daycare can feel overwhelming — especially when you’ve been working on sleep training at home — but it doesn’t have to be! Your baby can still be an incredible sleeper, even if their days at daycare are different from their days at home. The goal is to remain as consistent as you can, while also allowing flexibility and adaptability. 

Here are five ways you can help your baby thrive in the transition to daycare:

  1. Write out and communicate your plan to the providers. This is so important! They have no idea what your baby’s schedule is like or the fact that you are working on good sleep habits. The more you can communicate with the daycare provider, the easier it will be to stay on the same page.

  2. Every daycare is different, so be sure to ask what you are and aren’t allowed to bring to help your baby sleep. If they allow it, bring as many sleep triggers as you can. Some examples might be their sleep sack, swaddle, portable sound machine (some don’t let you, but it’s worth asking!). These will help your baby feel like they are in a familiar space when it’s time to sleep. 

  3. Understand that short naps at daycare are totally normal! If your baby is taking short naps at daycare, give it time. They will adjust! While you are waiting for their naps to extend, you can offer a power nap in the car on the way home. No matter what, plan for an early bedtime to make up for the lack of day sleep until their body adjusts to naps at daycare.

  4. Continue to practice good sleep habits and long naps at home when possible. This means blacked out room, sound machine, the works. Your baby is so smart and knows when he’s home and when he’s not. He can still nap great at home, even if daycare naps are short.

  5. Know that this is temporary, and the older your baby gets, the better they will adjust and will likely be taking long naps at daycare before you know it ☺️.

Again, I know the transition to daycare can feel daunting. I get it! However, if you try these tips and give it time, everything will work out:)

Happy sleeping!

Jessalyn Romney