10 Things to consider

Your baby isn’t even born yet, but are you thinking about when to leave for work?

The separation between mother and baby can create stress and anxiety – for mother and child, so it is important that the solution you choose is right for you and, most importantly, gives you the security you need. to make the transition as smooth as possible.

When looking for the right nursery for your baby there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Location

Analyze whether the location of the nursery allows you to effectively manage your schedules, without requiring you to make large detours. In daily life, it is very important that your routine is facilitated, there will be many other news that will have to answer.

2. Monthly fee

Confirm what is included in the monthly fee and analyze the overall amount you will have to spend. We believe you want to give your child the best, but before committing to an application, consider whether the amount you will have to pay is within the family budget you have set.

3. Opening hours

Ideally, you should always be able to pick up your baby early, but after the breastfeeding period your work schedule will be back to normal, so it is important to make sure that the nursery is open until you can pick up your baby.

4. Inner and outer space

Check the infrastructures, namely floors, playgrounds, location and protection of sockets, sanitary facilities and kitchen.

5. Activities

Analyze the interest and relevance of the activities developed by the institution according to what you want to make available to your baby. Although very small, activities such as motor skills and music are always beneficial at any age. Also check whether or not these activities are included in the monthly fee.

6. Food

Does the institution have a kitchen? Are meals cooked there? If not, by whom? Who is the person responsible for the menu? What care do you have with children’s food? Is the weekly menu available to parents?

7. Training and experience of educators / caregivers

Who is the team? How are the people who will take care of your baby? What is your experience? What is the approach of the educational team to children? (If you can, visit with your baby or another child to discuss how the team interacts with them.)

8. Protocol and safety measures in case of emergency

Check emergency access and exits. Has the building implemented fire safety measures in buildings? What is the protocol to adopt in case of emergency? And if the child becomes ill or has an accident, what measures do they take?

9. Communication and availability

Find out how the communication between school and family is done. Make sure the school and education team are available and responsive to your questions.

10. References

Look for other parents who have their children in the same day care and gather some opinions. If several people report the same aspects (positive or negative) it may be an indicator to be aware of when making your decision.

In order for this stage to be lived with ease and seen as another step in your baby’s development towards autonomy, make a conscious choice based on what your values ​​are and what is really important to you.

With love, BBme by Joana Teles