11 Tried-and-True Tips to Help Your Toddler Prepare for Daycare/Preschool
7 minute read
Dropping your toddler off at daycare or preschool for the first time is a BIG milestone. But with a little preparation, here’s how you can make the transition a smooth one.
We’re sharing 11 tried-and-true tips to make those first few days at daycare easier on both you and your child. And with time, your toddler will gain new skills, confidence, and independence as they get used to their new environment and routine.
Ready to make your toddler’s first day at daycare/preschool as seamless as possible? Let’s dive in!
- Talk to Your Toddler About Daycare
One of the best ways to prepare your toddler for daycare/preschool is to talk about it often in the days and weeks leading up to their first day. The more that you talk about it, the more your little one will be comfortable with it!
Let them know that they’ll be going to daycare/school soon and what activities they’ll be doing there. Get them excited by talking about all the new friends they’ll make and the fun activities they’ll get to do!
Make it extra fun by using pretend play to help them experience what it’ll be like at daycare/preschool. Use their teachers’ names, play with similar toys, and try out new arts and crafts and learning activities. This will show your little one how much fun they’ll have at daycare.
- Let Your Child Experience Group Settings
If your baby is an only child or spends a majority of their time with you, getting used to a classroom setting with a group of children may be a bit of an adjustment. You can help prepare your little one for this transition by facilitating time in group settings before they start going to daycare.
Maybe that’s getting together with a couple of your friends that have kids for a playdate. Or trying out a Mommy & Me music class — like our Dance with Baby class! You can also check out your local library’s story time to find your child’s new favorite book or take your little one’s ride-on toy or walker to your neighborhood park on a busy Saturday afternoon.
Spending time around other kids will help your little one get used to interacting with their peers and allow them to practice their social skills. This will give them more confidence as they enter a daycare/preschool setting.
- Create a Helpful Morning Routine
Little ones thrive on routine! And having a solid morning routine will help your child to know what to expect when they wake up each day. This will make it that much easier to get out the door on time for daycare!
A simple morning routine could look like: wake up, diaper change/potty, wash hands, eat breakfast, get dressed, brush teeth, put on jacket and shoes, grab their backpack. But you can create your own routine to fit your family’s needs!
Make sure to give yourself plenty of time in the morning so that you don’t feel rushed. This will help you — and your child! — to feel less stressed as you get ready for the day.
- Adjust Your Toddler’s Sleep Schedule
Your toddler’s daycare/preschool will have specific drop off windows, like 7:30-8:45 a.m. This means that you may need to wake up your child a little earlier to make sure you have enough time to get ready and out the door on time.
Try to get your toddler on a solid sleep schedule to make the transition to daycare/preschool as smooth as possible. At least a month before your child is scheduled to start daycare/preschool, start to wake your child up at the time they’ll normally start getting ready for daycare/preschool. This will allow you to adjust your little one’s bedtime to fit their new schedule.
It can also be helpful to learn what time the daycare/school will offer nap times throughout the day if you want to try to adjust your child’s nap schedule as well.
- Pack the Night Before
Photo of Zippee Lunch Tote
A great way to make the morning a little less chaotic is to pack everything your child will need for daycare/preschool the night before. Make sure their backpack is ready to go, their lunch is all packed, bottles are ready (don’t forget to keep those bottles cold!), and that everything is labeled!
We love this adorable lunch tote which is perfect for packing your little one’s favorites in handy snack containers, snack bags, an all-in-one bento box, or this cute sandwich box!
Your daycare/preschool should have a list of everything that they will provide along with a list of the things your little one needs to bring with them. You may need a snack cup, portable silverware, or some extra bottles in case they get lost along the way.
You can also lay out your child’s clothes the night before — or at least have everything all organized and in its proper place to make getting dressed in the morning as simple and easy as possible!
- Bring a Favorite Item from Home
Being away from home all day may be difficult at first for your child. To ease the transition, consider packing a favorite item in your little one’s backpack. Choose an item that will comfort your child while they’re at daycare. This could be a favorite stuffed animal, a small blanket, or even a beloved book or toy.
This item will remind your child that they are loved and cared for. You could also send them with a family photo or an item of yours that will remind your little one that you’ll be back to get them at the end of the day.
- Be Mindful of Your Emotions
Your child is like a little sponge, constantly learning about their environment and new surroundings…often by watching YOU! That’s why it’s important to be mindful of your emotions around sending your child to daycare in the weeks, days and hours leading up to your little one’s first day of “school.”
If you are anxious and dreading that first drop off… Your little one will pick up on your emotions and may become more frustrated and tearful as well.
Try to remain positive when talking about daycare to your child. And take time to work through your emotions with your partner or a trusted friend when your toddler is asleep or playing in another room. Maybe make a cup of warm tea or give yourself a little extra TLC to unwind at the end of a long day.
- Encourage Your Toddler’s Independence
Spending time at daycare/preschool is an amazing opportunity for your child to gain important independence skills. Helping your little one learn how to complete small tasks on their own will boost their self-confidence and make the transition to school more enjoyable for your toddler.
This could look like involving your child in getting dressed in the morning by letting them pick out their clothes. Or teaching your child helpful chores to do around the house. It’s also a good idea to teach your little one how to eat independently. Here’s a great class if you want to learn about introducing solids to your little one!
Small choices, Which book would you like to read tonight at bedtime? Do you want to play with the whale or the duck in the bath? will foster your little one’s independence and show them what a big kid they are!
- Visit the Preschool/Daycare to Meet the Teacher
Scheduling a tour of the daycare/preschool is a great way to introduce your child to their new environment. That way you won’t be dropping them off to a totally new place on their first day.
Allow your toddler to explore their classroom and playground. And if time allows, walk them through their daily routine, including where they’ll drop off their backpack, do morning activities, and have snack and nap time. Talk to your child about what to expect and encourage them to start getting to know their teacher! This will help them to feel more comfortable when they’re on their own.
- Keep Drop Off Short & Sweet
When it comes time to drop your little one off at daycare/preschool, it may break your heart to leave your toddler…especially if tears are involved. But time and time again, we hear from parents and teachers that short goodbyes are the best goodbyes.
It’s ok if your little one has a hard time getting dropped off at first. Getting used to being apart all day will probably be hard for each of you! If your child clings to you — or screams or cries — give them a big hug, acknowledge their feelings, and tell them that you love them and will be back to get them very soon. And then leave promptly!
In most situations, your child will only be upset for a minute or two. And with time and practice, you’ll both get used to this new routine.
- Let Go of the Mom Guilt
As you drop off your child at daycare/preschool…you may wonder if you’re making a big mistake or question if you’re a good parent. You may feel like your heart is aching and the tears won’t stop flowing.
This is a big milestone for you and your child! And it’s ok for this moment to be a difficult one.
You may miss being with your toddler, wonder if the teachers will be as engaged as you would be, or worry how your little one will make friends. These are all normal thoughts and emotions as you adjust to being away from your sweet baby.
But it’s important to have faith in yourself and trust that you’re making the best choice for you, your child, and your family. Now is the time for extra snuggles, extra 1:1 time in the evenings, and special experiences that give you and your toddler something to look forward to!
Give your child a few days or weeks to get used to their new routine. You can always make changes later if you need to. Before you know it, your little one will be making new friends, learning new skills, and transforming into the confident, brave big kid that you always knew was inside them.
