Getting used to daycare – these tips will help you succeed

The transition to daycare is an emotional challenge for both parents and children. The new milestone in the life of the little ones is an important step and often brings with it new challenges. Parents are faced with the question of how they can best accompany their children on their journey to ensure a successful transition to daycare.

How does the acclimatization process go?

Mom and dad are gone and the children suddenly find themselves in a new, unfamiliar environment. To ensure that the children cope well with the change, the adjustment phase should be gradual.

First of all, you should use the admission interview with the daycare teachers to find out about the rules and conditions on site. It is recommended that you explain to the future carers about your child's sleeping, eating and other habits. The basic phase of daycare familiarization is characterized by you visiting the daycare with your child for around two hours for the first three days and going together to the teachers in the group room. After a while, your child will get to know the new environment with its future playmates. The goal here is for your child to become familiar with the new impressions. In most cases, children are rather shy because they seek proximity to their parents. It is particularly important that you give your child your full attention and do not push them to interact excessively so that they can become as familiar with the new environment as possible. During the separation and stabilization phase, educators try to actively approach the children by playing with them or helping with lunch. As a result, a relationship of trust is built up, so that parents leave the room for half an hour at a time and only come back when necessary. This is expanded over time. Children react differently depending on their individuality and age group. Set a settling-in period with the educators. Settling-in at the daycare center is complete if the children see their carers as a reference person in the last phase and cope with the separation relatively quickly. Settling-in usually takes two to three weeks.

What do children need for daycare?

To ensure that children are well equipped for all activities, it is helpful to have certain items in the daycare center. Depending on their age and activity, the following items can be listed as basic equipment:

• Wet wipes and diapers
• Three pairs of spare clothes (bodysuit, T-shirt, pants and socks)
• Slippers or socks
• Cuddly toy or pacifier
• Rubber boots, rain jacket and mud pants
• Drinking bottle
• Medicines for allergies

How can I prepare my child for the settling-in period?

As already mentioned, every child is different and therefore the adjustment period can vary, depending on various factors. To make it as easy as possible for your child to start daycare, there are a few tips you can use beforehand.

1) Get your child used to other people early on

When your child starts daycare, it is a new phase in life with big changes and new people. One option is to leave your child in the arms of grandma and grandpa while you run errands so that your child can get used to a similar situation.

2) Dad in daycare

If you, as a mother, are the main caregiver, it can help if the roles are swapped and the father takes over the adjustment phase. This can make it easier for your child to separate from dad.

3) Constant companion

If you have agreed on a companion during the settling-in phase, this person should not be changed in order to avoid further unsettling and stressing your child. Ideally, this methodology can also be applied to the teachers - this way, a relationship of trust is quickly established.

4) Positivity is key

It is completely normal for you to be concerned and ask yourself how everything will go. Try to approach the daycare adjustment phase in a positive way. This will give your child a sense of security and prevent fears.

5) Avoid big changes

As a major milestone in the life of the little ones, daycare represents a big change in the daily routine. For this reason, try to avoid any other major changes in your child's life to reduce further stress.

6) Farewell

If you drop your child off at daycare, say goodbye clearly and distinctly. This gives your child the signal that you are leaving, so they can prepare for it. You can also tell your child when you will be back. If they don't understand the times yet, you can say "after lunch" or "after sleeping," for example. This will help your child understand that you will be back, and give them an idea of ​​roughly when that will be.

7) Cuddly toy

If your child finds it particularly difficult to say goodbye, just ask if you can give them something from home that they like and that calms them down. This could be their favorite cuddly toy, a comfort blanket or a special toy. With these transitional objects, your child will always have something with them that will comfort them because of the smell and the memory of home.

8) Time

Give yourself and your child time. Even if the adjustment phase takes longer than expected, it is important not to create time pressure - because even the little ones feel that.

Conclusion on the daycare familiarization phase

The adjustment phase in daycare is an emotional challenge for everyone. However, this time can be divided into phases, whereby the separation between parents and child can be extended further and further. The entire process can last up to about three weeks and is considered successful if the child can only be calmed down by the teachers. Bringing a cuddly toy or getting used to other family members can make the entire process even easier.

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