Leaving your baby for the first time, whether it’s with a familiar face like a grandparent or with a babysitter can be a challenging step for both you and your child. The child-development professionals at Celebree Learning Centers provide insight on how to help this significant milestone run smoothly.
Leave Contact Information
Make a list of emergency contacts for the caregiver. Include close neighbors and family members that the caregiver can call, and provide alternative ways that the sitter can reach you. Include detailed contact information for your location or a colleague who will be with you while you are away.
Food and Allergies
Make certain that the caregiver knows what your child is allergic to and where their medications are located. Let them know what food and snacks your child can have, and when they are permitted to have them. Be sure to also specify what the sitter can help themselves to in the house.
Essentials
Let the caregiver know what supplies are available as far as changing, feeding, etc. It is important for your caregiver to stay as close to your original process as possible to ensure that the child feels comfortable and familiar.
Routine
A few days before you have to leave your baby for the first time, make note of your child’s daily routine Let the sitter know what their favorite toys, songs, treats and television shows are in case they need help getting your child to settle down or adapt to the change.
Developing a Relationship
Allow your child and the caregiver to develop a relationship before you leave, so that they can both feel more comfortable with each other in your absence. If the sitter will be coming to your home, have him or her stop by to spend time with your child a few times before you are scheduled to leave them alone. This way, you can observe how they interact with each other and assess whether you need to adjust your plan. If you are dropping your child off at a trusted child care center, or at a friend or family member’s house, visit these places with your child and point out things your child can look forward to. For example, you can point out to toys and say “Doesn’t that look fun?” Schedule a tour at your Celebree location and get started!
Getting Ready to Leave
Request that the sitter arrives at least half an hour before you are scheduled to leave. Use this time to help your child get used to being around the sitter while you step in the other room to get ready. When it is time to leave, it is often more difficult for both you and your child to separate if you hand him or her directly to the caregiver. Instead, transfer your baby gently in a neutral place, such as sitting in their high chair with a snack or playing on the floor with their toys. Once you leave, trust that the caregiver will be able to care for your child, especially since you have given them all the preparation they need.
Leaving your baby for the first time can be an overwhelming change, but there are ways to make sure that both you and your baby are at ease and comfortable when separated. For more information on how we can help with this transition, contact Celebree Learning Centers today.