What to Look for in Newborn Childcare Providers


Great childcare providers fill their available slots quickly, which means expecting parents may need to start searching out their newborn childcare providers before the baby even arrives. The pressure of finding a caregiver in time for parents to return to work on schedule can be rattling, especially for your first child, when you’re not quite sure what to look for in terms of infant care providers.

Whether you’re considering a daycare center or home-based newborn childcare providers, there some common threads you’ll want to be on the lookout for as you’re scouting prospective caregivers. This especially holds true when the child in need of care is a very young infant, as they tend to require more attentive care than their older counterparts.

Infant-to-Caregiver Ratio Matters

Legal requirements regarding infant-to-caregiver ratios may vary from one state to the next, but the National Association for the Education of Young Children accreditation requirements recommends one caregiver for every three to four infants. Small, home-based newborn childcare providers may not employ additional staff, which means the proprietor should have no more than four infants under the age of fifteen months in their care. Be sure to ask how many infants a staff member will be caring for during their shift to ensure compliance with state laws or accepted guidelines.


State and local laws may also regulate the maximum size of an infant group, so be aware of these laws when you research your options.


Licensing and Accreditation for Newborn Childcare Providers


While some states do not require small, home-based centers to be licensed, it’s still wise to ask about current licensing and additional accreditation. At the very least, current licensing is an indicator that a childcare provider meets the minimum standards for health and safety in your state, and shows a commitment to the business. Additional accreditation through programs like the NAEYC shows even higher standards of operation.


Unlicensed childcare providers are not subjected to the same level of government oversight, and may not meet all the health and safety regulations recommended for the care of young infants. All staff members and caregivers should also be certified in infant CPR and first aid.


Opportunities for Growth


One of the primary advantages to enrollment in a daycare center or even a small, home-based center is the opportunity for socialization from a young age. While your newborn may not be overtly social, she will be in a matter of months. Looking for a newborn childcare provider who also caters to older children allows your child the chance to develop alongside a set peer group in the same environment. Daycare centers which offer pre-K programs alongside infant care may be the perfect solution for parents who want their baby to stay in one program until kindergarten.


Feeding Accommodations


Whether your infant is breastfed or on special formula,, make sure any newborn childcare provider you’re considering is willing to and capable of accommodating your baby’s feeding methods. Some providers may have stringent policies regarding breast milk storage, which could present a very real issue for breastfed babies and their parents.


Babies who may be prone to food allergies because both parents suffer from allergies as well may also need special accommodations to limit exposure to known allergens. Look for a infant and newborn childcare provider who knows to look out for hives or other signs of reaction, and to document reactions. Some parents may want to consider looking for peanut-free infant daycare centers, due to the potential for life-threatening reactions in a child with peanut allergies.


A Strong Reputation


A great newborn childcare provider knows just how important their reputation is, and will do everything in their power to maintain a good one with their clients. Don’t be afraid to ask other parents about their experience, and to research a newborn care provider online in order to read reviews from past clients.


While you’re evaluating a care facility, observe the children and how the staff interacts with them. Take notice of how clean and comfortable babies seem to be, and how much attention they’re being given by care providers. In an ideal situation, infants will be separated from toddlers and older children, who may be a bit too boisterous and have not yet mastered the art of being gentle. Any newborn childcare facility should also be clean, well lit and properly baby-proofed in order to ensure the safety and health of your baby.

One thought on “What to Look for in Newborn Childcare Providers

  1. You made a good point that a good daycare center will consider the nutritional needs of my child. My doctor gave a list of the essential amounts of nutrients that my child should get from her milk. I’d like to make sure that even if the daycare center is not using the same brand of powdered milk, the nutritional values are still similar.

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