Infant daycares are very common across the country. The infant daycare centers have been started in the country owing to great proof of better brain development and cognitive behaviors. These centers boost academic excellence in students by giving early childhood education. Always visit an infant daycare center before you enroll your child in one, you can visit the centers close by when you are pregnant so that there is a filtered list of centers to choose from. Find out centers that are near to your home or workplace, the number of hours they work, the food they give the babies, etc.

Below is some information that can help you make an informed decision while choosing a daycare center for your child.

What is the daily routine that the infant daycare center follows?

Most infant daycare centers follow a routine that is flexible and managed as per the requirements of the parents. The routine is planned in order to improve the developmental skills of the infant as well as prepare them for the next developmental stage.

• 6:30 to 9:00 – Breakfast (bottles)
• 8:30 to 9:00 – Change of diapers
• 9:00 to 10:00 – Playtime and morning activities
• 10:00 to 10:30 – Morning snacks (bottles)
• 10:30 to 11:30 – Morning nap (if needed) or indoor/outdoor play
• 11:00 to 11:45 – Change of diapers
• 11:45 to 12:30 – Lunch (bottles)
• 12:30 to 1:00 – Change of diapers
• 1:00 to 2:40 – Afternoon nap (if needed) or playtime
• 2:40 to 3:00 – Afternoon snack (bottles)
• 3:00 to 3:30 – Change of diapers
• 3:30 to 5:00 – Afternoon activities and playtime
• 5:00 to 6:00 – Change of diapers

How are each growth phases tracked?

• Most infant daycare centers provide care for infants as young as 6 weeks old.
• The transition from being a infant to a toddler includes important milestones like crawling to standing to walking for the first time, saying the first meaningful word, etc.
• It is important for the daycare center to encourage these developments and track them at the same time.

What are the important factors in a infant daycare program?

Some important factors that are necessary for every infant daycare center are:

• A safe environment for the infant. Baby-proofed furniture and qualified caregivers.
• Separate cribs, feeding spaces, and play areas.
• A low infant to staff ratio.
• Qualified medical practitioners available at all times.
• CCTV cameras for you to be able to see your infant whenever you wish to.
• Clean and hygienic environment.
• Proper play areas with child-safe toys.
• The curriculum needs to be creative to enhance your child’s development. Individualized instructions along with nurturing care are crucial to every child’s happiness.
• A routine that is not too hectic and one that is altered as per your expectations and needs.

What important information should you provide to the infant daycare center?

• It is important for you to provide your infant’s medical history to the staff in the center.
• Inform the staff if your child has any known allergies.
• If your child is on any medicine then inform the same to the staff to ensure they give the medicine to the child at proper times.
• Your contact information as well as details of your workplace, in case of an emergency.
• Contact details of the child’s doctor.