5 Red Flags that Your Baby's Child Care Is Not Right For Them
5 RED FLAGS Your Childcare Program is Not a Good Fit for your Baby
You spent hours researching, interviewing, and visiting childcare programs to find the highest quality and best fit for your baby, but how do you really know when your non-verbal baby is unable to tell you what’s going on. The reality is your baby SHOWS you through her behaviors, whether this is a program where she can thrive.
Every child requires an adjustment period when starting a new childcare program. It can easily take three weeks to a month to settle in. This is especially true when your little one is temperamentally slow to warm. If you have concerns during this time, communicate with the teachers and director to get more information and to note their perception of you and your child. You want staff who are supportive and willing to work with you to make things better.
If, however, after an initial period of orientation your baby is demonstrating these five behaviors, it may be time to consider a different childcare program.
- Your baby is experiencing sleep disruptions. If your infant does not nap while at this program and nighttime sleep has become disrupted it may be that your baby is too stressed to sleep.
- Your baby is not eating. When stressed, our brain tells the body we may need to flee, do not send blood to the digestive system. As a result, children lose their appetite. If your infant is drinking a fraction of the ounces he does at home, or if he is eating solids and two thirds of the food you packed is coming back home, this may not be a sign of a picky eater – but rather a stressed-out child.
- Your baby has been crying. When you pick up your baby and notice red eyes, dried mucus, or other indications your child has been crying for an extended period, this may indicate your infant is not receiving sensitive, responsive care.
- You arrive early and are banned from going to your baby. This one is tricky with Covid restrictions and a desire to not disrupt napping or daily routines there may be policies in place that prevent parents from entering for good reason. But if you sense that something is “not right,” or that they do not want you to see something, trust your gut.
- You feel anxious at the mere thought of dropping off or picking up your baby. Your baby’s caregivers are a critical part of your village. If you cringe at the negative words used to describe your child, or feel personally shamed or unwelcome in any way, know that there are alternatives where both you and your child will be treated respectfully.
The bottom line is when your baby is in a high-quality childcare program where she is receiving sensitive, responsive care she will sleep, eat, gain weight, laugh, play, and thrive! No words needed.
Wishing Your Family Peace
For additional information, please check out my latest book "Raising Your Spirited Baby"
Available at your local book store and on Amazon
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