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Transitioning Your Baby to Childcare Soon? Six Strategies to Help Your Baby Sleep Well at Childcare

Creative Childcare • March 18, 2022

Transitioning Your Baby to Childcare Soon? Six Strategies to Help Your Baby Sleep Well at Childcare


Mums and dads spend the first months of their children’s lives establishing routines for daily living. They shape their days around when babies must eat, play, and sleep, to keep them happy and healthy. Transitioning your baby to childcare brings many challenges. One of them is helping your baby adjust to sleeping away from home in what may be a much more stimulating environment. Here are six strategies parents can employ to make the changeover smoother for themselves and their little ones.


Communicate with your childcare provider


Communicating with your childcare provider is the most important step to a successful transition from napping at home to sleeping at a childcare centre. Like you, the provider has a vested interest in ensuring your child has restful naps while in their care. Before you commit to a childcare provider, ask to tour the facility. Specifically, request time to examine the space where your baby will be resting so you can get a feel for the environment. If an in-person tour is not possible due to Covid or other health and safety protocols, then ask for a virtual tour. Ask about any policies or procedures for nap time to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Bring items from home

If your baby has a lovey or a special blanket for nap time, ask if they can have it during nap time at the childcare centre. Doing so can help parents replicate their home napping routine to soothe the baby during the transition. Recreating an environment that is as close to the one your baby has at home is ideal.

Daycares in Australia must follow safe sleep and rest practices.

Enquire about nap scheduling

Some daycare centres have strict nap schedules. Others allow your child to nap on their regular schedule from home. Communicating is the best approach for determining which approach your centre takes. If your daycare agrees to follow your schedule, make sure they have it well in advance so they can prepare.

Discuss sleep routine

Most parents have a routine they follow when putting their children down for naps. Some may prefer their little ones fall asleep independently, while others may feed their babies or rock them to sleep. Talk your daycare provider through the steps you use at nap time and ask whether they can use the same methods. It also is important to share key information with your carer. For instance, if your baby tends to wake up, fuss, and then go back to sleep without intervention, let them know so they give him or her a chance to self-soothe.

Setting realistic expectations

Parents should prepare themselves for the realisation that their babies will not sleep as well at daycare as they do at home. Even if your childcare centre does its best to mimic your child’s home sleep routine, it will be impossible to get it perfect. It is important to have realistic expectations and practice patience with your baby and your childcare provider.

Teach independent sleep

Before you send your baby off to daycare, make sure they are adjusted to someone else putting them down. Have other family members or friends help train them to make the transition easier for your baby and the childcare centre staff.

 

Choosing a quality program

Creative Childcare Centres are classified as long day cares, which is very similar to preschool. The main difference is our programs operate from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. to accommodate working families. To learn more about our centres, call 1300 002 929 or book a tour online.

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Childcare Nutrition: Smart Snacking & Healthy Bites for Growing Kids At the heart of every child’s day is the nourishment they need to grow, learn, and thrive. At our three centres, we see nutrition as more than just food on a plate; it’s our way of inspiring healthy habits, delighting curious taste buds, and nurturing growing bodies and minds. Here’s how we incorporate smart snacking and wholesome nourishment into our daily care. Wholesome Snacking Habits Snack time is a chance to fuel children’s bodies with delicious and nutritious food choices. We offer a variety of fresh fruits, crunchy vegetables, and whole-grain delights to help children develop a taste for foods that support their growth and energy needs. These small but meaningful choices lay the foundation for a balanced and healthy diet. Nutrient-Rich Finger Foods Healthy eating at our centres is always fun and engaging! We provide nutrient-packed finger foods, like colourful veggie sticks, cheese cubes, and whole-grain crackers, which are perfect for little hands. These bites encourage independence while delivering the essential vitamins and minerals children need to thrive. Hydration for Happy Bodies Staying hydrated is just as important as eating well. That’s why water takes centre stage in our daily routine. We encourage children to prioritise this healthy habit by taking regular sips throughout the day, supporting their focus, energy, and overall well-being. Balanced Meal Time Adventures Mealtime is more than just a break—it can be a whole new adventure for children! We thoughtfully prepare meals with a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to provide the energy and nutrients children need to learn, play, and grow. Every bite is part of their journey toward a healthier future. Creative Presentation for Appetising Appeal Healthy foods are as exciting as they are nourishing at our centre. We create a rainbow of fruits, fun-shaped sandwiches, and vibrant veggie platters to make mealtime an engaging and joyful experience. When food looks as good as it tastes, little ones are eager to dig in and discover new flavours. Mindful Eating Practices We teach children to slow down and connect with their food. By encouraging them to savour each bite and listen to their hunger and fullness cues, we help them foster a positive relationship with food that can last a lifetime. Allergen Awareness Creating a safe and inclusive environment is a top priority for us. We are attentive to food allergies and dietary restrictions, ensuring every child feels included and cared for during meals. This commitment to safety helps all children enjoy their food with confidence and joy. Educating Young Palates Mealtime is also a moment of discovery at our centre. Through fun activities and simple lessons, we teach children about different food groups, the benefits of healthy eating, and how food fuels their amazing bodies. These early lessons empower them to make thoughtful choices as they grow. Snack-Time Variety We believe variety is essential for growing palates! By offering an array of flavors and textures, we expand children’s taste preferences and help them develop an appreciation for different foods. Snack time is an exciting adventure full of new discoveries. Collaboration with Families We know that a child’s nutrition journey is most successful when home and childcare work together. That’s why we maintain open communication with families to ensure consistency and understanding of dietary preferences or restrictions. This partnership creates a seamless and supportive approach to healthy eating. At Creative Childcare, nutrition is about more than feeding young bodies; it’s about sparking joy, building confidence, and creating a foundation for lifelong healthy habits. Through thoughtful choices, creative presentations, and a nurturing environment, we empower children to thrive—one bite at a time. If you'd like to learn more about Creative Childcares services you can contact us by calling 1300 002 929 , by email at contact@creativechildcare.com.au or by filling out our online form .
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