Starting baby day care: how to prepare your baby (and yourself)

Starting baby day care: how to prepare your baby (and yourself)

Starting baby day care is a big step, not just for your baby, but for you too. It’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions. You might be feeling excited, nervous, or unsure about how your baby will settle in. That’s all part of the process.

The good news is, there are ways to make the transition easier. With a bit of planning, a simple goodbye routine, and the right support, your baby can adjust well to their new environment, and you’ll feel more confident too.

In this blog, we’ll share some gentle tips to help you and your baby prepare for baby day care, what to expect on the first day, and how to support your little one as they settle in.

Starting baby day care

Start slow, if you can

If possible, do a few short visits before your baby’s first full day. Many baby day care centres, including ours, welcome families to come in for a little while to get to know the space and the educators. These short visits can help your baby feel more familiar with the people, smells, sounds, and routines.

Even 30 minutes here and there can help make the big first day feel less overwhelming.

Talk to your baby about it

Even if your baby is too young to fully understand, talk to them about baby day care in a calm, happy voice. Say things like, “You’ll get to play with toys, listen to music, and have cuddles from your carers.”

Babies pick up on your tone and feelings, so staying positive and calm helps them feel safe. You can even tell them the names of their carers if you know them.

Pack familiar things from home

A familiar item can help your baby feel more secure. Pack a comforter, dummy, blanket, or soft toy they love. The smell and feel of something from home can help them settle during naps or quiet time.

At Kaleidoscope Kids, we always encourage families to bring comforting items from home, especially in the early days of baby day care.

Create a goodbye routine

A short, loving goodbye routine gives your baby a sense of structure and safety. It could be as simple as a cuddle, a kiss, and saying, “Mum/Dad will be back after your nap.”

Try to keep it the same each day. Avoid sneaking out, even if it seems easier at the moment, it can make babies more anxious in the long run. Saying goodbye clearly helps build trust.

Expect a few tears

It’s normal for babies (and parents) to cry during drop-offs. Separation is a big change, and most babies take a little while to adjust. This doesn’t mean baby day care isn’t working, it just means your baby is getting used to something new.

Most babies stop crying shortly after their parents leave and go on to enjoy their day. The carers at baby day care are used to supporting babies through this and will give extra cuddles and attention when needed.

Talk to your baby’s carer

Good communication with your baby’s educator makes a big difference. Let them know how your baby slept, what they ate, or if there’s anything new going on. The more they know, the better they can support your child.

And don’t be afraid to ask how your baby is settling in. The team will be happy to share updates to reassure you.

At Kaleidoscope Kids, we build strong connections with families and take the time to understand each baby’s routine, preferences, and personality. That’s a big part of making baby day care feel like a second home.

Settle into a new rhythm

Your mornings might feel rushed at first, but soon you’ll settle into a routine. Try getting everything ready the night before: clothes, bag, bottles, nappies – so the morning feels calmer.

Keeping things predictable helps both you and your baby feel more in control. Babies love routine, and so do parents!

What to pack for baby day care

Here’s a simple list to help:

• enough nappies and wipes

• bottles and formula or breast milk

• spare clothes

• hat and sunscreen

• dummy or comforter

• sleep items (like a sleeping bag or blanket)

• any special creams or medications (with instructions)

Check with your baby day care centre for any extras they recommend or provide.

Take care of yourself too

It’s easy to focus just on your baby, but your feelings matter too. Be kind to yourself. It’s normal to feel emotional during this transition. If you feel sad or anxious, talk to your partner, a friend, or even your baby’s carer.

You’re not alone, many parents feel this way when starting baby day care. It gets easier with time.

Keep your routine at home calm

When your baby gets home, keep the rest of the day quiet and familiar. Offer cuddles, gentle play, and a good feed. They might be more tired than usual, all that new stimulation can wear them out!

Early days at baby day care can take a lot of energy, so a calm home routine really helps.

How long does it take to settle?

Every baby is different. Some settle in a few days. Others take a few weeks. It depends on your baby’s temperament, age, and past experiences with other carers or settings.

Be patient. With time, most babies come to enjoy their days at baby day care, playing, exploring, bonding with carers, and learning new things.

How we support babies at Kaleidoscope Kids

At Kaleidoscope Kids, our baby rooms are calm, warm, and welcoming. We work closely with families to support each baby’s transition. Our educators spend extra time with new babies to help them feel safe and cared for.

We follow your baby’s routine as much as possible, feeding, sleeping, and play times, and we’ll adjust to suit your child’s needs. Our goal is to make baby day care feel like a natural extension of home.

We’ve supported hundreds of babies through their first days, and we’ll guide you through it too, one step at a time.

Ready to take the next step?

When you and your baby are ready, we’re here. With five centres across Goodna, Logan, Booval, Redbank, and Rothwell, you can visit your local Kaleidoscope Kids and see what our baby day care is all about.

Come meet the team, take a tour, and ask all your questions. We’re happy to chat and help you feel at ease, because starting baby day care should feel like a gentle step forward, not a leap into the unknown.