[Submitted Question]

My five-month old daughter will start daycare next week. I feel quite nervous about it even though I feel satisfied that we have chosen a good daycare provider. I would appreciate some advice on how to make the adjustment to daycare as smooth as possible for my little one.

Carla Z., Maryland

[WombToBloom]

Have you taken her to visit her new daycare before? I might ask the new daycare provider if you can bring her by and even do a very short trial run. It might give your baby a chance to digest the surroundings and understand that you’ll return for her. And she may find comfort in a somewhat familiar face when you drop her off next week.

As far as the actual drop-off itself, it may well be ugly. She may cry. You may cry. I would just try as many distraction tactics as possible. Get her comfortable with a caregiver; make sure she has whatever comfort item she might need (bottle, pacifier, blanket, etc.). Don’t show her that you’re upset – hold it in until you hit the car. If she has a favorite toy at home, throw it in her bag so that she might be able to see it and be comforted or distracted at daycare. It will ultimately get easier for both of you!