Trusting Your Baby's Childcare Provider

Leaving your baby in someone else’s care is incredibly difficult as a parent, regardless of how much research you did beforehand on the childcare provider you selected.

Once your baby is in childcare, the next step is learning to trust that provider. Developing complete trust can take a bit of time, but there are ways to get more immediately comfortable with the provider or childcare center:

Ask for a detailed synopsis of your baby’s day so you know what’s going on while you’re away. You’ll feel more comfortable if you can look at the clock and know it’s nap time, for example, than if left wondering what your baby is up to at that moment.
If you have questions about your baby’s daily schedule or routine, or concerns that the schedule isn’t working, talk to the care provider.
The most important thing to do is trust your gut. You know your baby, and if something seems off with the quality of care, don’t ignore it. Stop by the childcare center unannounced to see how things are going. Talk to your provider about any concerns. And, if you haven’t already done so, do some research to ensure the childcare facility meets your state’s licensing regulations.
Talk with other parents whose children are also cared for by your provider. It can help to know you aren’t alone in the very normal concerns parents have about entrusting their children to outside care and in more specific concerns.

Remember, you and your baby’s childcare provider generally want the same thing—for your baby to have attentive, nurturing, high-quality care. Keep the lines of communication open and work together as a team. Everyone—you, the provider and your baby—will benefit!

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