new infant issues

[Rainbow]

I have a new 6 month infant that for the last 2 days I feel like I have spent all day trying to figure out when she is hungry and when she is tired. I also haven't been able to get her to sleep in the pnp, which licensing requires. The only way she has slept for me is either in the stroller (on the way to the park) or in a sling. She also is a very content baby - as long as I am holding her. I can put her down for about 3 minutes before she starts crying. I'm fine with holding her a good chunk of the time, but I have other kids I am watching, so there are times when I do have to put her down. Plus, I have a 13 month old starting in a month, so then I'm really not going to be able to hold her all the time.

So, the main question is what do you recommend for a feeding and sleeping schedule? She did fall asleep roughly around 9:30 in the morning both days, but the afternoon I still don't know when to put her down.

The other question I have is regarding car seats.The mom does not buckle the baby in properly-at all! She only fastens the top chest clip and the straps are really loose. Quite honestly, she might as well not even bother with the chest clip, because in an accident, that baby is literally going to be flying out of her seat, anyway. I have to say something, but I'm not sure how to address this with her. Any suggestions?

[Blackcat31]

What is her routine at home? How do the parents out her to bed?

Do they hold her all the time or is she encourages to play on the floor?

I would talk with the parents and find out what they do. It's important to keep in mind that how they do it at home GREATLY influences her behavior and expectations at daycare.

If you are watching other kids, you can't possibly hold a 6 month old all day. She needs to know how to play independently as well as start learning to self-soothe for napping.

The parents need to do this at home and work with their child in learning these things so she can have a positive and happy day at your house.

As for the car seat....you are a mandated reporter. If she doens't use the seat correctly and something happens after she leaves you house YOU can be held liable for NOT reporting her.

Let her know that ^^^ as well as maybe printing out some information about proper car seat use. Let her know that licensing requires you to report if she doesn't comply with the law/rules.

[TickleMonster]

To answer your question on the feeding and napping with baby, We have a dcg that just turned 1 yr old We have had her since 4 months and she is still like that with feeding she is very content and doesn't cry when she is hungry or not at one time we had three babies and sometimes we would not get to feed her till the last because she was so quiet so we would watch her actions and when she would start to fuss a little is when we fed her, she would hardly cry when she was wet or dirtry either. The tired answer would be watch for her rubbing her eyes a lot becuz that is what she does. we also put a little padding in our pnp to help her sleep she loves it in the nap room it is totally dark in there, I hope this has helped. She will let you know in some way for either thing, Carseat deal tell DCM to strap her up properly that is so dangerous,

[Indoorvoice]

Usually a pretty good rule of thumb for infant nap times is to put them down 2 hours after they wake up for the day, then 3 hours after they wake up from their morning nap.

As far as the car seat issue, when my dd went to daycare, my provider politely informed me that I was buckling her improperly and it wasn't a huge deal at all. I was thankful that she told me because I had no idea what I was doing. Being polite and concerned goes a long way.

[Heidi]

Usually a pretty good rule of thumb for infant nap times is to put them down 2 hours after they wake up for the day, then 3 hours after they wake up from their morning nap.

As far as the car seat issue, when my dd went to daycare, my provider politely informed me that I was buckling her improperly and it wasn't a huge deal at all. I was thankful that she told me because I had no idea what I was doing. Being polite and concerned goes a long way.

Yep...

my kiddos that age usually nap an hour or so from 9-10 (right after breakfast), then outside time, then come in for lunch, then nap with the others 12:30-3:30 or so.

[Oss_cc]

Double post

[Oss_cc]

Yep...

my kiddos that age usually nap an hour or so from 9-10 (right after breakfast), then outside time, then come in for lunch, then nap with the others 12:30-3:30 or so.

Sounds like a dream! 11 month old DCG has always been a horrid napper for the 9 months I've had her.

OP, I agree with the ladies above, though! Consistency and above all, parental willingness to help transition her to group care are so important!