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Is your little one about to start daycare and you’re worried their sleep is going to plummet? Any change, big or small, could disrupt sleep. So how do we minimise this? Babies are super adaptable, and they often return to their previous sleep patterns even after experiencing changes. Even if your little one has irregular naps, it doesn't mean they can't be a great sleeper at night or at home. Daycare providers are often incredibly supportive and understanding when it comes to your concerns about your child's sleep. They have experience in assisting babies with adjusting to new sleep environments, and it's likely that after a few days, they’ll be telling you how well they slept! If you find yourself overwhelmed with the amount of information you need to address regarding your child. However, in most cases, daycare centres provide an enrollment form that allows you to outline your preferences. This form serves as a helpful tool for communicating your expectations and requirements to the caregivers.
If the daycare doesn't provide such a form, you can utilise this downloadable daycare plan form I have prepared. You can fill it out and either email it or print it off to hand over.
Some questions you could ask:
◦ Can I bring their sleeping bag?
◦ Can I bring their comforter?
◦ If they consistently wake up due to noise in the room, can I bring a portable sound machine?
◦ If you have twins, can they be placed close together during nap time?
◦ What is the nap schedule like in the room, and can it be adjusted to match our routine at home?
◦ How do you handle naps for children who struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep?
Remember, if the answer is “no” your baby can still adapt and most times they just need extra time to adjust.
Will my nights be affected?
Establishing a strong sleep foundation for babies can greatly reduce the chances of their sleep being disrupted during periods of change. When you have put in the effort to cultivate healthy sleep habits, it is less likely that the transition to daycare will undo all your hard work.
By laying a strong sleep foundation, you increase the likelihood that your baby will maintain good sleep habits even during transitional periods like starting daycare. While adjustments may still occur, the groundwork you have established will help your baby navigate these changes with minimal disruption to their sleep overall. If your baby's sleep is irregular at daycare and their naps haven't gone as planned, it's important to navigate the rest of the day accordingly. Here are some strategies to consider:
If your baby has had short naps
Consider an earlier bedtime, we can shift bedtime to 6:30pm if needed. Earliest 6:00pm, otherwise they may treat it as a nap.
If your baby has had longer naps than usual
Adjust bedtime to be a bit later to help balance their sleep schedule. Try cap it at 8:30pm.
In the event that your baby hasn't napped at daycare
Ahhh, the worst of it all. You might try to give them a short nap in the car on the way home. Alternatively, keep them awake during the car ride and opt for an earlier bedtime When you pick them up for the day, don’t be afraid to ask how their day went. Most times, they have everything logged.
Ways you can make the transition smoother
Lower your expectations
Accepting that they may struggle with sleep during daycare can be incredibly helpful. This is a simple but important mindset shift.
Also, be mindful that their usual way to fall asleep, may not always be fully implemented at daycare, even if you request it. For instance, it might be necessary for them to be more hands-on, that’s okay, where you allow more if independence. Just make sure you continue your usual ways at home.
Avoid leaving on teary terms.
If possible, try to give extra time in the mornings if they struggle with you leaving or have separation anxiety. While most carers will assure you that they settle quickly after you leave, it can be upsetting for everyone to part on teary terms. Try to do this at least until they adjust.
Daycare can be a scary experience for them. While there’s lots of fun and play involved, the separation between you two is significant and should be acknowledged. That’s why I don’t recommend sneaking away. Instead, be present for the goodbyes and reassure them that you’ll be back. Try to establish a goodbye ritual. With my little one, we always kiss, hug, and give a high five every single time.
Sleep environment
During the day when your baby is at home, you have the opportunity to adjust their sleep environment to create a familiar and comfortable space for them. This can help with the transition from being away at daycare to being back home.
Allow a little light in the room
Just allow a subtle amount of light to enter the room at home to mimic the ambiance of the daycare. While at daycare, the room may remain bright even with the curtains drawn. By replicating this level of light in the room at home, you can create a similar environment and help your baby adjust more easily.
Lower the volume on the sound machine
During sleep time, it's likely that no specific sounds are playing or nature sounds such as waves, wind, or chirping birds are being used. To create a more realistic sleep environment, you can consider turning down the volume slightly to allow some external sounds to be heard. This will help your baby learn that even if there is some noise in the background, it's still time for sleep.
Cap the nap
To prevent your baby from sleeping too much at daycare, you can communicate your preferences. Let them know the desired duration of your baby's nap and ask them to wake your baby at a specific time. This will ensure that your baby has a full wake window before bedtime, which can help regulate their sleep schedule and prevent them from being overly tired.
For an 8:00pm bedtime, make sure the last nap of the day ends:
◦ 4 months = 6:00pm
◦ 5 to 6 months = 5:30pm
◦ 7 to 12 months = 4:30pm
◦ 13 to 18 months = 3:30pm
◦ 18 months + = 3:00pm
Do you need help?
If you find yourself facing sleep struggles with your baby or have concerns about their sleep, I offer the tools and resources to help you. My downloadable sleep guide and optional plans are designed to provide the guidance and support you need to establish solid naps and 10-12 hour nights for your little one. Whether you're seeking advice on nap routines, sleep training, or overcoming specific sleep challenges, these resources can be incredibly helpful. To access the 4-24 month sleep guide and plans, click here and you'll be redirected.
Written by Alexandra Selekos
I'm the founder of Babee Dreams, a certified sleep consultant and a mum of three. My approach is based on studies, training through The Sleep Consulting Academy, successful outcomes experienced by those who have used my methods and the instincts of a mother. My approach will help your baby achieve their best sleep, whilst always feeling reassured, loved and never neglected.