Starting daycare is a major milestone for both babies and parents alike! It can be a source of anxiety and may feel like the hardest decision you’ve had to make. We know what it’s like to agonize over choices and spend late nights worried about who will care for your little one. That’s why we’re committed to making this transition as smooth, nurturing and positive as possible for your entire family. Whether you’re preparing for your baby’s first day or just beginning to explore infant care, this guide will help your family start the journey with comfort and clarity.
Understanding the Infant Daycare Experience
Infant care may vary slightly across the preschool spectrum, so let’s look at how The Goddard School® supports your baby.
Developmental Benefits of Early Care
Enrolling your baby in a high-quality preschool has tons of benefits for them! It supports early brain development through consistent interactions and play-based learning opportunities. Babies build trust, communication, sensory awareness and early motor skills all while forming secure attachments with caregivers. This early support lays the foundation for social-emotional development and curiosity, which is the key to a lifelong love of learning!
What to Expect in an Infant Classroom
Goddard School infant classrooms are thoughtfully designed to promote security, exploration and early learning. Soft, cozy spaces provide comfort, while age-appropriate sensory and motor experiences help babies build foundational skills at their own pace.
Nurturing teachers will partner with you and follow individualized plans for feeding, diapering, sleeping and playing. This ensures that your baby’s daily rhythms, preferences and developmental needs are honored.
The inquiry-based curriculum at Goddard (yes, there’s a curriculum for babies!) is designed around how babies learn. Babies may not be able to speak, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t curious! Every coo, giggle or point is a form of inquiry. Trusted teachers watch your baby closely to learn what they like or don’t and fill their days with playtime, stories, cuddles, sensory exploration and more.
The Roles of Caregivers and Daily Routines
Infant caregivers are essential in helping babies feel safe and connected throughout the day. They build nurturing, one-on-one relationships and are down on the floor cheering your little one on as they become more aware of the world around them. Predictable routines offer structure and comfort, even to the littlest learners, helping your baby know what to expect and supporting their emotional security.
Daily routines may include:
- Individualized feeding and nap schedules
- Gentle transitions between activities
- Floor time and tummy time
- Sensory and motor play
- Outdoor experiences (as long as it’s not too hot or cold!)
Steps to Help Your Baby Transition Smoothly
With a little preparation, you can help your baby adjust comfortably to their new routine. These simple, developmentally appropriate tips make the first days of daycare easier for both you and your child.
Introduce Your Baby to Their New Routine
A gradual introduction may help your baby adjust more easily. In the weeks before starting preschool, align parts of the home schedule with the routines they’ll experience in the classroom, including:
- Brief separations with trusted caregivers, slowly increasing the length of time
- Visits to the school to meet the teachers and familiarize yourselves with the environment
- Explore a new place together like a parent-and-me music or yoga class
- Do a trial run! Practice getting yourself and your baby out the door a few times before their first day.
Small steps can reduce overwhelm and help your baby (and you!) feel secure.
Communicate with Your Infant’s Teachers
Open, consistent communication is key to a smooth transition. Share details such as:
- Feeding preferences
- Nap routines
- Soothing techniques
- Developmental milestones
- Medical conditions
- Family culture or traditions
At The Goddard School, teachers will update you regularly through daily reports, conversations at drop-off and pick-up, photos and videos. This partnership ensures your baby feels understood and supported from day one. These touchpoints also strengthen the home-school partnership so that you can try new activities at home. For example, if your baby loved singing the Itsy-Bitsy Spider at school, imagine their surprise and happy coos when you start singing it at home.
Preparing Yourself as a Parent
Anxiety, excitement, sadness. These aren’t just characters from Disney’s Inside Out, they’re the real emotions you’ll feel during the daycare transition. It’s totally normal to cry at drop-off (we’ll have tissues ready). This is a hard decision, and we want to help you feel supported, informed and confident in your choice.
Remember, adjusting to daycare is a journey, not a single moment. Trust that both you and your baby will find a rhythm. Over time, routines become familiar, relationships deepen and you’ll begin to see your infant’s confidence and comfort grow.
