Prepare Your Baby for Daycare Success with These Sleep Tips

Here’s everything you need to know about the transition to daycare and your baby’s sleep!

Wow, your baby is starting daycare this fall. This is a big step for both of you! If you’re feeling mixed emotions, know you are not alone. I definitely felt them when my babies headed off to daycare!

In addition to feeling all the feels, you may be wondering how this big transition will affect your little one’s sleep. Don’t worry; I’m here to guide you through it. Here is your guide for preparing baby for this transition.

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Sync Up the Nap Schedule 

Before your baby starts daycare, try to get a sense of the nap schedule they’ll be following once they are in care. Many centres have a single nap schedule, which can be an adjustment if your baby is currently taking two naps. 

Here is how to adjust from two naps to one, in the weeks leading up to the first day:

If your baby is on 2 naps a day and daycare has a 1 nap day:

• On the weeks leading up, slowly transition your baby to a 1 nap day
• Start by pushing morning nap back by 15-30 minutes, letting them nap for as long as they want, then offer a late afternoon catnap
• A few days later, push morning nap by 15-30 more minutes
• Continue this process until nap 1 is midday, then stop offering the late afternoon catnap 

You can find more on the two-to-one nap transition here.

If your baby’s current nap schedule matches, GREAT! No need to make any adjustments. 

What to Bring to Daycare

Does your daycare require babies sleep in sleep sacks or with blankets? Are they permitted to bring a lovey? Will white noise be playing or are they allowed to bring a portable white noise machine?

Introduce these items at home a few weeks before starting daycare so they become familiar and comforting when used in the new setting.

It’s worth noting that if your baby is used to sleeping in an ideal sleep environment at home (dark, white noise, cool, quiet, etc) it can be nerve-racking to send them to sleep in a space that is busier, louder, lighter, etc. 

Communicate with the Care Provider

I cannot stress how important this one is. Give your daycare provider a heads up on your baby’s unique sleep style and needs.

If you have an independent sleeper (aka – your baby is not rocked, feed, or otherwise assisted to sleep) please make sure the caregivers are aware so they won’t unintentionally disrupt this by offering unnecessary assistance. 

Expect a Transition Period at Daycare

Transitioning to daycare is a big adjustment! Adapting to a new environment and schedule can take time, so patience is key. Here’s what you might notice during the adjustment period:

• Initial short naps: it’s common for naps to be shorter than usual as your baby gets used to sleeping in a new place.
• Illnesses: being exposed to new germs often means more colds, which can disrupt sleep.
• Unexpected snoozes: after an active day, your baby might fall asleep during car rides home. Adjust bedtime accordingly!
• Variable adjustment times: each baby adapts at their own pace; some may be into the new rhythm within a few days, others may take several weeks.

Always Remember

Your daycare providers are experts in baby sleep. They want your child to thrive at daycare, and have restful naps, just as much as you do!

Starting daycare is a big step with plenty of learning opportunities for both you and your baby. With some preparation and a lot of patience, your baby will adjust to their new schedule, space and routine. Keep communication lines open with your daycare provider, stay flexible, and watch as your baby becomes a happy, well-rested daycare star!!

And as always, if the transition isn’t going as smoothly as anticipated, I am happy to help. You can book a call with me here. 

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