Finding Childcare

If you plan to return to a job outside your home after your baby is born, you might want to start looking for childcare now. If your baby wont be cared for in your own home, visit both childcare centers and family daycare (childcare in someones home) in your area. Wonderful childcare can be found in both.

Also look for the following:

Licensed provider
Low adult/child ratio (at least 1 adult for every 3 babies newborn through 24 months and no more than 6 babies in a classroom or home)
Clean, safe environment
Children who seem content and engaged in age-appropriate activities
Caregivers trained in child development or early childhood education
Caregivers who share your values and childrearing attitudes

Childcare facilities that allow you to visit at any time are preferable. Call your childcare provider and ask about the visitation policy before you try to drop in to visit.

One other thing to keep in mind:

Research has suggested that young children may be watching more TV in some childcare settings than previously thought. Be sure to ask any prospective childcare provider about this.

The American Academy of Pediatricians discourages any TV for babies under age 2 and recommends a daily limit of no more 1-2 hours of quality programming for preschoolers.

This message is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have about your health or medical condition, your breastfeeding issues and your infant's health. Never disregard, avoid or delay contacting a doctor or other qualified professional because of something you have read in our emails, webpages or other electronic communications.