What to Look for When Choosing Day Care for Your Baby

The Lowdown on Day Care for Infants

When to Start Looking for Infant Day Care

When Is a Good Time for Your Baby to Start Day Care?

Budgeting for Infant Day Care

How to Choose Infant Day Care

• How many days and hours per week might I need for my baby’s care?
• Where do I want my baby’s care to take place: in my home, in a caregiver’s home, or at a center?
• How close or far can the child care facility be from my home or workplace?
• Will I be able to transport my child back and forth from home (or my workplace) and the child care facility?
• What type of backup plan might I have in case the caregiver is unavailable due to illness?
• What size child care program do I prefer, small or large?
• How much can I afford to spend on child care?

Types of Infant Child Care

In-Home Child Care

• Your baby stays home.
• You don’t have to drop your baby off at day care.
• You may be able to set your own requirements with the child care professional.
• Hours may be more flexible.
• Your baby receives individualized attention.
• No exposure to other children’s illnesses or negative behaviors.
• The child care professional may help out with light housework or prepare meals during your baby’s nap.
• If you’ve used an agency, it’s another level of reassurance that references have been checked and the caregiver’s background has been cleared.

• In-home child care isn’t regulated.
• It can be more expensive compared to other child care services.
• If you’ve used an agency, you most likely will have to pay an agency fee.
• The caregiver may not be well-trained in child development, first aid, and CPR.
• There are responsibilities and requirements you will need to meet as an employer.
• You may find it uncomfortable knowing a caregiver is living in your home.
• There are fewer opportunities for your baby to socialize with other children, as would happen in a day care center.
• If your caregiver becomes ill, you’ll have to find a backup person.

• Ask people you know for recommendations.
• Place ads online or in the local paper.
• Use an agency.
• Check the potential caregiver’s references, certification, and/or licensing.
• If possible, get a background check.
• Request documentation of work experience.
• Ask the caregiver to explain their approach to raising children. Try to determine if their approach aligns with howyou would raise your child. Asking about how they react to excessive crying, an accident, or your baby not wanting to nap or sleep can provide helpful insights.
• Set up a week trial period with the potential caregiver during which you’re home to see how they work.
• Observe the caregiver closely in the weeks that follow the trial.

Family Child Care

• Your baby is in a home-like setting with other children to socialize with.
• Family child care is generally less expensive than in-home child care or day care centers.
• Homes must meet local or state safety regulations and cleanliness standards.
• Certain homes may provide specific care for children with special needs or flexible hours.

• Quality may vary from home to home.
• Some, but not all, family child care homes participate in child care training and have staff undergo background checks.
• Homes may not be as well-equipped as the facilities in larger day care centers.
• You may be asked to drop off and pick up your baby at designated times, which may not align with your schedule.

• Ask people you know for recommendations.
• Check online reviews or local directories.
• Use an agency.
• Check the potential caregiver’s references.
• Observe the caregiver’s work, including how safety procedures and diaper changes are handled.
• Ask for references from past clients.
• Ask about the caregiver’s training.
• Check licensing compliance, certification, and accreditation, e. g. , by the National Association for Family Child Care.
• Walk through the home to ensure it’s safe for your baby.
• Ask about the number of children currently enrolled and what the hours are.
• Ask about backup arrangements in case the caregiver is ill.
• Inquire about an emergency plan if certain situations arise.

Day Care Centers

• Child care facilities must meet local and state standards.
• Programs are often structured and designed for different age levels.
• The staff is often highly educated and has experience working with children.
• There are often multiple staff members who provide care, so there's less worry about backup if a caregiver becomes ill.
• There are plenty of opportunities for your baby to socialize with other children.
• Hours may be flexible, with options for part-time care or extended care.
• There may be an option for checking in on your baby through a secure live online video feed.

• Regulations may vary from center to center.
• These types of centers can be expensive.
• Some large child care facilities may have waiting lists.
• The more children in the facility, the higher the chance that your baby may become ill.
• If your child has a mild illness, like a cold, you may be asked not to bring them to the center during their illness.
• Centers may specify drop-off and pick-up times and may charge a fee if you're late.

• Research day care centers online or in local business directories.
• Ask your baby’s healthcare provider or other parents for recommendations.
• Use an agency or a referral organization.
• Once you have a few options in mind, check the center’s staff hiring requirements for educational level, background in child development, health, and immunization status.
• Check the center’s licensing and recent health certifications, as well as whether the center requires that children have up-to-date immunizations.
• Find out about any admission requirements and if there’s a waiting list.
• Ask about the staff-to-child ratio. The younger the children in the center’s program, the more adults there should be.
• Ask about the size of the group. A small group of children may encourage more interaction among the children than a larger group.
• Find out how long the staff members have worked at the center. A high rate of staff turnover may suggest issues with operations and management.
• See if the program’s goals align with how you see your child being raised, whether that’s in a relaxed environment that allows children to develop at their own pace or in a program that’s more structured.
• Ask about the program’s sick policy: what happens if a child becomes ill, how the staff handles it, how parents are notified, and when you may need to keep your baby at home.
• Find out what a typical day consists of, and whether there's a mix of physical activity and downtime.
• Get a sense of the day care center’s procedures, including rules and regulations.
• Take a tour of the day care center to observe the daily routine, paying attention to cleanliness and the regularity of diaper changes and feedings for newborns.
• Ask about the cost of the center and any payment plans that are offered.

The Bottom Line