Daycare & Sleep
Daycare & Sleep: My Tips for a Smooth Transition
I’m going to let you in on a secret: daycare typically makes children great sleepers…eventually!
Daycare is a huge transition for you and your child, but there are a few things you can do to prepare for this change.
Initially, daycare might interrupt your child’s sleep routine and they may take some time (a few days to weeks or months) to sleep well. Therefore, they will be overtired, but the solution is not as straightforward as an earlier bedtime.
Their circadian rhythm (internal body clock) is a strong force, so even if they have not had their regular amount of daytime sleep, they may not be ready for an earlier bedtime. Be guided by their mood to determine if they need a late afternoon power nap, early bedtime, or regular bedtime.
What can I do to prepare my child for daycare?
Having good communication with the daycare staff will reduce your anxiety and provide valuable information for preparing your child. Replicating some of the sleep cues used at daycare will help your child to fall asleep easier in the new environment.
What should I ask daycare before starting?
What are their nap time/s?
Expert tip: If possible, incrementally adjust their nap time/s (using 15-minute windows at a time) to more closely align with the daycare sleep schedule.
How are they supported to sleep?
Expert tip: Some sleep cues, such as stroking the baby’s hair, can be easily and safely replicated at childcare which will help your child to recognise it is nap time.
Will they wake your baby from a nap?
Expert tip: Under the right circumstances, waking a sleeping child is necessary to cap their daytime sleep, so it’s important to know if this is an option when selecting the right daycare for your little one.
Will their nap times/duration be shared with you?
Expert tip: Use this information, in addition to being guided by their mood, to adjust their sleep routine at home if you need to.
What is the sleep environment like?
Expert tip: If daycare uses white noise or music, ask for a copy or the name of the track so that you can play this for your child prior to them starting at daycare. Additionally, ask how light/dark the room is and adjust the levels in your child’s sleep space at home to be similar.
Can you bring their own sleep sack/blanket from home?
Expert tip: Daycare centres must strictly observe safe sleep and SIDS guidelines, however, they can often accept some items from home.
Lastly, Focus on Connection
When you are together before and after their day at daycare, carve out special time with them. This can be as little as 10 minutes. Bedtime can become a special time to connect through a predictable, calm routine focused on uninterrupted 1:1 time. Planning for this time can really help, so schedule it into your daily routine.
Many parents fear that daycare will undo the sleep success they spent so much time and persistence developing. But fear not, because while the transition might cause a sleep hiccup, if you remain consistent at home your little one will adjust and return to the great little sleeper you know.