Transitioning to childcare

This is a message for new and established mums and/or dads who will eventually be returning back to work. When you start thinking about childcare options it’s imperative you look at the transitional period a few months before to help your little one in becoming a little more independent of you. (I’m not discounting same sex parents here but the breastfeeding advice is obviously relevant to mum’s).

·        If your baby is 100% breastfed then please start to use a bottle or Sippy cup.  You may have to try several variations, teats etc before finding the right one your little one accepts! Also ask other people to try feeding them. This may seem obvious but as a childminder of 28 years- for many parents, it’s not and it’s so painful for all concerned when the first time they have to try is with the new childcare provider. Some little ones may go days without drinking, holding out for parent’s return which is obviously not healthy. Think about the transition or addition of cow’s, formula or alternative milk too.

·        Another really difficult issue is around sleeping. I truly know how wonderful it is to have your little one snuggling, rocking, falling asleep on you- it’s precious times. But if you are the only one who can get your little one to sleep then when they have a nanny/ childminder/nursery this is going to be a HUGE shock. Please consider the implications for your little one.

·        My advice would be to let others- dad, other mother, grandparents, family etc to help with putting your little one down for naps. Create a little pattern and routine and try to put them down before they are asleep. It will make life so much easier for them when they transition to another caregiver.

I say these things with your best interest at heart having witnessed and had lots of extremely traumatic situations of trying to put little ones down for naps who have never had anyone but mum/dad put them to sleep. I’ve even had to go into some homes and help show the other parent the techniques I have used to get their little ones to sleep. The other consequence of this is that you as the primary caregiver you never get a break from the sleeping routines.

Finally, the settling in period is crucial, make sure it builds up slowly with your baby/child seeing you together, starting to make connections between you, leaving them for short periods and building this up gradually. It generally takes four, maybe six weeks in my experience for a little one to feel truly settled, to build an attachment and feel confident with their new caregivers.

Good luck with your search for childcare, there are many different types available. Just, please, start the transition before you start your search. You know you’ll be returning to work, be kind to yourself and your little one.