My First Day (and a Question)

[Maddy'sMommy]

My first day was on Tuesday, but I haven't had time to post yet.

I only had one dcg, she is almost 2. (plus my daughter, who is 8 months). I have two pt girls signed up, and one full-time who will be started in January. I wanted to stagger the start dates so that I could ease into it slowly, and it would be easier on my daughter to adjust. I'm very confident I will sign up another ft girl about my daughter's age to start in September.

They day went well. DCG did very well considering she has never been away from Mom and Dad in any sort of care (family or otherwise). She asked for her parents throughout the day, but I just said "Mom and Dad will be back later" and she seemed to accept that.

Only issue was that she would not nap. She fussed, cried, screamed, but would not sleep. So by the afternoon she was exhausted. She is only once a week (which worked perfectly to fill a hole left by the other pt girl) so I think it's going to be a struggle.

Her mom says she naps in a pack and play at home, but I think I may try a nap mat here, because she loses it when I put her in the pack n play, but she was literally falling asleep on the play mats. Any other ideas how i can get her comfortable with napping here?

Thanks!

[meganlavonnesmommy]

Most likely it will just take time. Its a new environment, and she needs time to feel comfortable sleeping there. I play lullaby or classical music on the tv at naptime, helps them nod off to sleep, and drowns out any background noise like the phone ringing so they stay asleep.

[DCP&Momof3]

Here it seems to work better for the new child when there's already other children here. They just seem to catch on to the routine and that the other kids are all comfortable so I think it helps them feel more comfortable. I too have them lay on a daycare mat, have all the lights off & curtains closed & soothing piano music playing. In the beginning I will also sit next to the new child & rub their backs till they fall asleep. It's never been much of an isssue since they usually fall asleep within 10 minutes. A good naptime routine helps the child know what to expect. It does seem to be harder when they only come once a week as it takes longer for the adjustment period.

[Christian Mother]

Yup, all these are what I do...routine though is a must...they learn early on everyday what to expect and then they feel comfortable in what happens on a day to day bases. If she has a favorite stuff animal or blanket she can bring with her that will help and also soft music played to brake up any outside noise or inside noise. We play only Christian Music here and I make up a play list from my iTunes of soft Christian Music and that really helps. The first couple times they are here it will be hard, a rub back or read a story will help relax them. I normally have clean up just before naps and changing diapers or potty time, washing hands to begin the cycle of nap time. It helps to get them into the nap routine.

[Maddy'sMommy]

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it