Baby Safety Zone - Choosing A Day Care Facility

Choosing A Day Care Facility

Today's topic on Crib Talk is choosing a day care facility.

Good Day Care is Hard to Find

Hi folks! Baby Carter here. Today we're going to discuss choosing a day care facility for your baby or child. Now, all of us know that at some point during our infancy, mom is going to have to go back to work. First of all, you have to understand that this isn't anything she wants to do. If that hasn't been made clear to you, well...I'm sorry. But chances are it's even harder on your mom than it is on you. You need to get past that separation anxiety and move on. This is your chance to get out in the world, meet other babies, get a ton of attention from other sources and play by new rules. You might even make some new friends.

This is also your opportunity to give your parents some input about where they take you. My parents take me to this lady's house. Her name is Lynn, and I really like it there. She knows my needs, keeps me safe and in general, takes good care of me. Some of you probably go to an in-home day care, but some of you probably go to some sort of center. Here are some things that your parents should ask when evaluating day care options:

What are the caregiver's or center's policies on discipline? If they're in writing, make sure your parents get a copy.
Who gives the child any medicine he or she needs, and how is it given?
If it's a day care center, ask what the ratio of staff members to each child is.
Does a child have to stay home when he or she is sick? What's the policy?
Is there a separate area for children who are only slightly sick?
If it's a daycare center, are the staff members trained in CPR, basic first aid and basic medical care for children?
Are all the children required to have vaccinations before being allowed to come to the day care center?
If it's a center, is it clean? And do the staff members have training on preventing illness and injury?
If it's a center, do they practice frequent handwashing?
Is the house or daycare center safe? Is there proper cushioning under outdoor play equipment?
Does the house or center have smoke detectors, safety gates and outlet covers? Day care safety is extremely important.
Are shared toys regularly cleaned and disinfected?
Is the house clean and safe at all times?

Of course, the fewer children there are at a daycare center or at a babysitter's house, the better the child care usually is. The caregiver(s) can be more focused on your child that way.

Hopefully these tips will help your parents choose a good day care center for you. Remember not to be too distressed. You'll just be making it harder on mom and dad, and trust me, this is hard enough for them as it is.

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