Chances are you have been trying to put off looking for a childcare provider for your baby as long as possible. If you are like most moms, thinking about WHO will take care of your baby BEFORE you have even given birth, seems a bit counter-intuitive. Plus, all the waiting around, and your accumulation of maternity leave and vacation time from work, likely makes you feel like there is no rush to choose a daycare provider, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. Right?  Wrong! Here’s why.

Firstly, you might be shocked to start your search for the perfect daycare, find one – and then find out that you have to be put on a waiting list for several months to a year. In the United States, many of the premiere daycare centers have waiting lists a mile long, especially for the newborn, infant and baby rooms. The reason is simple. There are only so many babies that these daycare centers are legally allowed to have per room. Secondly, there is a high demand for top-notch facilities. And in order to find the best facility for you and your baby, you will have to do a lot of research and door to door visiting of daycare centers so that you can get an ‘intuitive feel’ for the center before enrolling your child.

As you begin to search for a daycare center, you may want to make impromptu stops at daycare centers without appointments so that you can see how things are run when the center is not expecting a visitor. Certainly you will have to check in with the front office staff before touring the center, but not allowing the center time to ‘prepare’ in order to make a good example to gain a customer is a smart way to check the integrity of a daycare center.

When you tour, pay attention to the children and your intuition. Do the kids look happy?  Are there adults present at all times? Do you get a good feel from the staff that is in charge of the daycare center? Are all of the employees certified to care for children?  Are doors locked and secure? Pay close attention to how things are organized, and come prepared with as many question as possible. Also, avoid making a hasty decision – and try to visit a center that you are interested in at least 2 -3 times before committing so you can get a better feel of the day to day operations.

You should also check online for any complaints or problems with a daycare center. Sometimes, you will find problems or concerns from other parents in forums or local listings specific to your town. Also, check in with neighbors and other moms around your area to see which day care centers they would recommend, and which ones they would not. Other moms can be your greatest source of information, especially if they have personal experience with the daycare center.

Certainly, looking for a daycare center in your third trimester can be bittersweet. If you know you are going back to work, and know that you will have to rely on a daycare for your child, it will be much easier to research and visit the daycares, prior to having your baby than it will be afterwards.

Also, don’t totally count out in-home day care centers, which can also provide a loving, more personal environment for your child. If you go to an individual for your daycare needs, you should do not just a background check on the provider, but also ask to see all credentials they have which allow them to care for children in their home.

Remember, the most important decision you will make after you have your baby is who will care for your child in your absence. Use your best judgment and don’t be afraid to rely on your feelings and intuition to help you make a decision.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @MOM-SPIRATIONAL

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

You spent a lot of time researching childcare options. Luckily, you found a professional nanny or childminder you like and can trust. Your little one also seems happy with your choice. So why are you having such a hard time letting go?

The reality is regardless of how much you like your nanny, it’s often an emotional tug of war to leave your baby. On one hand, you may enjoy working outside the home. But your heart also wants to be home all day with your little one.

It might help to take a step back and figure out what’s going on. For example, are you worried that your nanny won’t do things exactly like you do?

It’s perfectly acceptable to let your nanny know if she is doing something you don’t like or if you want her to do things a certain way. But you can’t expect your nanny to be you. If you are standing over her every minute and correcting her every move, she may not want to stick around too long.

It might help to make a detailed schedule and provide tips on what your baby likes and dislikes. Be clear about your expectations and give your nanny a little time to get “tuned in” to the ins and outs of your routine. Give her a little space to learn how to do things the way you prefer.

Controlling how things are done while you’re at work might not be the only reason you can’t let go. Maybe you feel a bit guilty about leaving your baby and worry you’ll miss out on some of her “firsts.”

If possible, check in throughout the day to see how things are going. You can also agree to use a webcam or an app on your phone to sneak a peek at your baby during the day. Keep in mind, there are many precious and cute moments you’ll share with your baby.

It could also be a little difficult to let go if you feel a pang of jealousy. Of course, you want your nanny to be loving and affectionate with your baby. But some moms also feel a bit envious over the amount of time a nanny may get to spend with their baby or worry the baby will love the nanny more.

Try not to stress. After all, there is plenty of love to go around. It’s a good thing if your nanny and baby have a strong bond. Remember, you’ll always be the mommy. That special bond is not replaced by any other relationship.

Written by MaryAnn DePietro @ writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Finding the right childcare setting for your baby is one of the most important decisions you have to make. After all, you want to ensure your baby will be in a loving and nurturing environment. If you decide to use a childcare center when you return to work, there is still one thing to do. You need to choose a center that meets your needs and philosophy.

When it comes to childcare centers, there several things to take into consideration. For instance, consider how many hours a day or week you need care. Do you need full-time, part-time or overnight care? Keep in mind, depending on where you live, not all childcare centers offer part-time infant care. Also, be sure to review the center’s hours of operation since opening and closing times can vary.

When you’re selecting a childcare center, you might also want to consider their approach to education. For example, one approach to childcare, which is popular around the world is Montessori.

The Montessori method of learning is child-centered. Schools that use this approach believe kids have a natural need to explore and learn. The theory is children educate themselves through everyday activities and they learn best when they are in an environment where they can do things for themselves.

Teachers create an environment where children can be independent, active and self-teach. Teachers are there to guide kids. But children are encouraged to learn at their own pace and are not pressured to reach certain milestones on a timetable.

Another educational approach some childcare centers use is the Waldorf method. The Waldorf philosophy to early childhood education involves a play-based approach to learning.  Children have a predictable routine that includes plenty of opportunities for artistic and practical activities, such as painting, puppet play and singing. Academics are not strongly emphasized during early childhood. Although Waldorf believes in a broad curriculum, during preschool and primary grades imagination and free play are encouraged over math and reading.

A traditional approach to childcare is also an option. A traditional approach may include an emphasis on both social and academic development.  Traditional childcare centers often offer a structured curriculum which is teacher led.

In a traditional childcare center, children tend to be grouped by age with a teacher leading activities that include a combination of academics and play. For example, toddlers may participate in circle time, which involves singing songs to learn their numbers and also be given time for free play.

Keep in mind, there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to choosing the best childcare center. It comes down to personal preference. Your best bet is to visit different childcare centers, talk with the staff and decide what feels right for you and your baby.

Written by MaryAnn De Pietro @writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

If you plan to work outside the home, the day will come when you have to decide on childcare for your baby. If you don’t have a relative to help out, you might have to choose between hiring a nanny or a daycare center. So how do you know which is best?

Choosing between a nanny and daycare comes down to personal preference. There is no one right answer for everyone. But it may be helpful to consider the pros and cons of each.

When it comes to hiring a nanny, an advantage is your baby gets one on one attention. You also get more customized care. For example, you have the freedom of setting a schedule to include naps and feedings at a certain time. It might also be nice to have someone come to your home, instead of having to drop your baby off at a center.

But on the downside, if your nanny gets sick or needs an unexpected day off, it could leave you in a bind. Although your baby gets one on one attention, there is not much social interaction with other babies. Of course, your nanny could arrange outings, which provide social opportunities. Nanny care also tends to be more expensive than a childcare center.

Another childcare option is a daycare center. Daycares may include, small home daycares and large centers. Keep in mind, licensing regulations can vary widely among daycare centers depending on where you live and the size of the center. For example, a home daycare may have less licensing requirements than a larger childcare center.

One advantage of a daycare center is you may have care you can count on every day. You don’t have to worry about one person getting sick and not having care. Also, daycare centers are often inspected on a regular basis, which may give you peace of mind. Your baby will also get the opportunity to play around other babies.

A downside to using a daycare center may be that your baby will not get as much one on one attention as he would with a nanny. There is also the inconvenience of having to get your baby up and out the door each day. Also, if your little one gets sick, you’ll need backup care since he will not be allowed to go to the daycare.

Whichever type of care you feel is best for your baby; it’s essential to do your homework. For example, if you’re considering a daycare, ask what the ratio of caregivers to infants is. Ask about teacher qualifications and training. If you’re hiring a nanny, do a background check and thorough interview. Also, consider having your nanny do a trial run and spend a few hours with your baby while you’re at home to see if she is a good fit.

Lastly, trust your gut. If something does not feel right, walk away. There are always other options. Remember it’s a big decision. Selecting the right childcare will help your baby continue to thrive!

Written by MaryAnn DePietro @writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Enrolling your child in daycare is a pretty huge parenting milestone. It is quite often one fraught with worry and anxiety, as you try to find the right daycare for your child. You may feel nervous about leaving your baby with strangers, and feel worried about how your baby (and you!) will cope with the separation.

Daycare can be an enriching, engaging and exciting environment for babies and toddlers. The range of activities on offer, regular routine and abundance of other children to play with mean many young children love daycare. Many babies and toddlers form strong bonds with their daycare key workers, allowing them to enjoy a strong attachment with an adult outside of the family.

Picking a daycare for your child may not be easy. Some parents just ‘know’ as soon as they walk into the right setting, but for others it can take months of deliberation to settle on the perfect daycare. However you decide to approach this decision, here are five important things you should consider:

1. First impressions

First impressions are important. As a parent, you’ve probably gotten quite good at trusting your gut instinct. Sometimes it’s not quite possible to put your finger on why something doesn’t feel right, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore that bad feeling in the pit of your stomach. Think about your first impression. Does it seem like a happy place? Do you feel welcomed? Do you like the staff? It’s not just your first impressions that matter, think about how your baby reacts too. Does he seem happy and content in the new environment? Does he respond well to the staff members during your visit?

2. Observations

Pay attention during your visit, you can learn a lot about a place by simply observing what’s going on around you. What are the children doing during your visit, do they look happy and engaged? How are the staff responding to upset or clingy children? Are they looking after the children in the way you would like them to take care of your own baby? Are the children being properly supervised? How are staff handling undesirable behaviour?

3. The basics

It would be lovely to choose the daycare based solely on whether you love it, but in reality, there are other things to consider. Costs can add up, so you’ll need to do your sums and work out whether the daycare you like is within budget. Find out whether meals and diapers are provided, or whether you’ll need to buy these yourself, as this may affect the total cost. Do the daycare hours fit well with your work schedule? What happens if you’re late for pick up because of bad traffic or a late running train? Is the daycare easy to get to? These may not be the most glamorous of questions, but it’s important to consider them when making your decision.

4. Recommendations

One of the best ways to find out what a childcare setting is really like, is to speak to other parents. A personal recommendation is worth a lot, so find out what other parents think about the daycare. If you don’t have any friends with children at the daycare. you could wait outside at drop off or pick up time and see if any of the parents can spare five minutes to tell you what they think. This way, you’ll get an unbiased opinion based on experience, which will give you something to go off when deciding where to send your child.

5. The day to day

Facilities and activities can vary greatly between different childcare settings. Some may have amazing outdoor spaces, whereas others may invest more time and effort in trips outside the daycare gates. Newer settings may have better equipment, and some settings focus more on structured activities than others. Which of these matters most to you will depend upon what you think is most important (and more enjoyable) to your child. Find out how much time the children spend outside, and the sorts of activities the children engage with during a typical day. Are they free to play as they wish, or is there an element of structure within the day? How is undesirable behaviour dealt with, and does the answer compliment your parenting style?

Have you chosen a daycare setting for your child? And if so, what were the most important aspects to consider when making the decision?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Leaving your baby with a sitter for the first time is a monumental parenting milestone, and you’re likely to be feeling emotional as the big day approaches. All moms are different, and it can take some longer than others to feel ready to make the leap. Don’t rush yourself, wait until you feel ready for that long awaited night out. There’s no pressure, people will understand that you might want to skip a few nights out in favor of spending time with your baby.

When you are ready to take off your mama cap for the night, let your hair down and enjoy some quality adult time, the following tips might help:

1. Pick a sitter you trust

To get the most out of your night of freedom, you need to make sure your baby is left in capable hands. If not, you’ll spend most of the evening worrying and texting the sitter. Choose somebody you can trust. Somebody who knows and loves your baby, and who your baby feels comfortable with. Choose somebody who will follow your directions to the letter, somebody who you know will take just as good care of your baby as you would. Many parents choose to enlist the help of a family member or trusted friend as their first sitter. If you book a babysitter via an agency, always make sure his or her background is officially checked, the babysitter is CPR trained and personally interviewed by the agency.

2. Leave instructions

Remember that feeling when you were first left alone with your new baby? When you gazed lovingly into her eyes and thought, “Why didn’t this come with an instruction manual?” Well, now you have months of experience so you can be the person to write that manual. Leave clear instructions with your babysitter. Make sure they know how to reach you, where you’ll be and what time you’ll be home. Write down any feeds your baby will be due whilst you’re away, as well as things to try if your baby becomes upset.

3. Start small

For your first night out, you may want to stay local so you can get home quickly if needed. It’s also an idea to start out with a shorter engagement that first time. You could go for a meal at your local restaurant or meet friends for a drink at a nearby bar. This short burst of freedom will give you and your baby an opportunity to get used to spending a little bit of time apart. Then when the night comes for you to attend a birthday party out of town, you’ll feel confident that your baby will be ok without you.

4. Say goodbye

It can be tempting to just disappear, especially when your baby seems settled with the sitter. Why risk upsetting her before you dash for the door? In reality, however, your baby needs to know that you leaving is nothing to worry about. That means a goodbye kiss and a cheery goodbye. Let your baby know that you’ll be back soon. Your baby may not yet understand all the words you say, but she’ll be able to tell from your body language and tone that there’s nothing to worry about.

5. Don’t feel guilty

No, leaving your baby doesn’t make you a terrible mother. No, your baby won’t grow up with severe emotional troubles because you went out to a party. Yes, your baby knows you love her. Don’t let yourself feel guilty about taking a night for yourself. It’s perfectly ok to carve out a little bit of time for yourself amidst the chaos of nappy changes, feeds and night wakings. This is your night of freedom, so start enjoying yourself. Have fun, enjoy the adult conversation, and enjoy feeling a little bit more like you for a change.

How old was your baby when you had your first night out?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.