As a parent, you want to ensure your child is always well cared for. Most parents must work outside the home or need reliable care for emergencies or errands. Therefore, you need to have quality child care whether they’re working in your home or a traditional childcare facility. Here are tips for finding excellent childcare for your infant.
1. Don’t Wait Until Birth
Don’t wait until your child is born to start looking for adequate care. If you’re using a surrogate to have a baby, the process can take 12 to 13 months. On the other hand, you can find out you’re adopting a baby shortly before its birth. From natural birth to adoption, to surrogacy, you have time to find the best resources to care for your newborn. Take advantage of that time to do interviews, visits, and any research necessary to make the right decision on upcoming child care.
2. Ask Other Parents
Start asking other parents in your inner circle for childcare provider advice. They may even have a babysitter you can also hire. If you’re considering a childcare facility, you may want to speak directly to some of the parents using their services. Ask people in your family, friends, or even neighbors if they have referrals.
3. Check Reviews and References
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 56% of families with babies and small kids report having a hard time finding childcare. One of the best ways to ease that hardship is by checking reviews. Most businesses are reviewed by clients. Check across different platforms, like Trustpilot, Consumer Reviews, and Google Reviews to see what good or bad comments stand out about the childcare facility. Always ask for references when you find a personal childcare provider, such as a nanny or a childcare facility. Calling references can give you peace of mind that someone can back up their background and provide insight into this person’s experience working with babies.
4. Consider Location
Location matters when it comes to childcare, especially for a sensitive newborn. You may decide to bring help into your home daily or on an as-needed basis. Some people may have live-in help. After all, they are au pairs and nannies used to working in parents’ homes and being available for full-time childcare. On the other hand, you may want temporary childcare for the occasional babysitting. If you decide to utilize a childcare facility, you don’t want to go someplace too far, as you don’t want to cause stress on yourself or your newborn.
5. Visit Facilities
Don’t just take your newborn to any random facility, even if it has great reviews and references. After all, you want to get your feel for the place and vibe. You may have certain needs for your child that other people may not have considered. For example, you may have a different level of cleanliness requirements than other people look out for. Pay attention to how staff interact with children and what their security measures are for preventing the wrong people from entering.
You should also see the children in action to get a feel for the type of activities children can do during the day. After all, birth to six years old is a very sensitive period for kids, as they’ll soak up many things in their environment that add to their language and overall personal development. Therefore, kids must be exposed to healthy and educational activities. For example, participating in gardening can decrease childhood anxiety and improve mood. Similarly, playing a game like soccer or tag allows children to improve their social skills as well as learn coordination.
Starting a family comes with great responsibility. Get things off to a good start by finding the right childcare for your little one. The earlier you start and the more research you do, the more likely you are to find the right person or facility for the job.
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