Tips for researching safe daycare options

There are plenty of issues to consider when it comes to daycare. You can skimp on some issues more than others. For example, a caring staff and first aid knowledge is more important than a large array of toys. However, there are some issues your chosen daycare should never skimp on. Pay the daycare you’re considering a visit and make sure of the following:

1. All babies are put to sleep on their back, each and every time. Staff should be trained on this important issue.

2. That the baby to staff ratio is at least 3 babies per 1 adult caregiver. If your baby is over the age of one year, but under three years the staff ratio should still be at least 4 babies per 1 adult. Ask about subs as well.

3. All staff who work with the children should be trained in infant CPR and first aid. No exceptions.

4. There’s a sick day policy you can live with. Some daycares won’t allow a baby in if he’s had a fever, until 24 hours have passed. I like this rule, because I knew my Cedar wouldn’t be exposed to other baby’s illnesses as often, but if 24 hours is too long, look for a center with more flexible rules, or even a sick room. Just be aware that if sick kids are allowed at the center, your child will also be exposed when he’s healthy.

5. There’s an open door policy. If parent’s aren’t welcomed happily at ANY time in the daycare area, then it’s a major red flag. Staff should seem fine with you being there, and not anxious or annoyed. If staff seem odd, or they have a more closed door policy, I’d look elsewhere.

Why baby cry?

After sometime, you’ll totally catch onto all your baby’s cries and their meanings. It may seem impossible when you’re a brand new mama, but you’ll get it - trust me. Until then, here are a few common crying variations and what they likely mean. I’ve been around countless babies, and while they all differ, some of these cries seem to be across the board.

Tired: Tired is the easiest cry to decipher in my opinion, because it’s often lack luster. Your baby can cry when he wants; loudly. However, tired crying is often more broken, and varied, almost as if your baby has to try super hard to cry.

Hungry: Hungry crying babes usually take rooting breaks from their tears. Your baby may cry and root around at the same time or cry and suck on his hand.

Pain: You’ll be able to tell a painful cry early on, but hopefully it’s not something you’ll hear too often. Gas is a likely pain culprit in a little baby and sometimes elastic from clothing can press on your baby’s skin - yes, some babies are little drama queens, they may feel pain from clothing, cold, or too tight of socks. The cry will be high pitched, sudden, and LOUD.

Bored: Bored crying is a tough call. This is crying that usually starts out sort of fussy and turns into a full-on crying scene. Catching a fussy bored baby is easier than stopping the crying once it starts. First check a fussy baby out - is their diaper clean, have they eaten, slept, and so on? If everything seems ok, they may just want some entertainment. Break out your best baby puppet or go on a walk.

Can you easily decipher your baby’s cries?