Daycare newborns: Newborn Daycare | Bright Horizons®

Newborn Daycare | Bright Horizons®

Care and Early Education for Newborns

When there’s a new baby in your life, finding the right newborn daycare is a big priority. You want a daycare that feels right, where you know your child is well-cared for – and one that can easily fit into your family’s routine.

At Bright Horizons, we provide newborn daycare that offers enriching learning experiences for your child as well as convenient schedules and support for working families. With Bright Horizons, your infant will thrive in early education programs that encourage individual growth and pave the way for success in school and life. Babies enjoy classrooms made for exploring with teachers who support both today’s big milestones and tomorrow’s leaps toward the future.

Search by Zip to find newborn care at a Bright Horizons near you!

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Proven Approach to Newborn Care

Research-informed care designed by caring, nurturing educators to inspire our youngest learners to become joyful, confident learners for life.

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Inspired Teachers

     Dedicated early childhood professionals fully engaged in teaching
careers, who benefit from our award-winning training and ongoing
support. 

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Support for the Whole Family

     Thoughtfully and carefully designed centers, programs, and schedules – all created with the needs of both children and parents in mind. 

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How can I find newborn daycare near me?

Most Bright Horizons centers have newborn daycare for children starting at 6 weeks old. Learn about tuition, openings or schedule a meeting to visit our:

• Boston Daycare
• NYC Daycare
• Washington, DC Daycare
• Chicago Daycare
• San Francisco Daycare
• Los Angeles Daycare
• Seattle Daycare

Or, Search by Zip to find a Bright Horizons child care center in your local city.

What daycare programs does Bright Horizons have?

Our early education programs offer more than daycare. Our goal is not just to help children learn, but to cultivate the joy of learning. We are currently enrolling families in our:

• Infant care: Our newborn and baby daycare programs provide safe spaces, welcoming environments, and inspired caregivers that support all your baby’s developmental milestones.
• Toddler care: Our toddler preschool programs provide a place to test out and learn new skills, make new friends, and celebrate the joy of wonder and discovery.
• Preschool program: Our preschool classes are designed to prepare children for kindergarten and all the big steps ahead, supporting inquisitive young minds as they tackle new challenges, take chances, and experiment with new things.
• Pre-Kindergarten: Our kindergarten preparation programs support children during a time of enormous and exciting growth, building the academic, social, and physical skills that will get them ready for school.
• Summer camp: Through Summer Explorations at Bright Horizons®, your child will have the opportunity to enjoy everything summer has to offer.

How does a parent compare daycare programs?

It can be hard to choose a daycare for your newborn. We work with a lot of families who have not had a newborn in child care before. Advice from other parents, web searches through search engines, or online web portals from state or local governments can provide lists of daycares to consider. For a parent whose company provides on-site child care, back-up care or summer camp as a benefit, the human resources department will be able to provide information. If your company provides a daycare benefit through Bright Horizons, please log into your account to access your benefits. If your company does not provide this benefit, search by zip to find a Bright Horizons center near you.

Can a parent drop into a newborn daycare without an appointment?

No. Expectant parents or parents of newborns should schedule an appointment if they want to visit a daycare . No parent would want any adult to be able to enter the facility without warning, and thus daycare facilities should require an appointment. At Bright Horizons, we offer Zoom and in-person visits so we can understand what your family needs for child care, including when you would start your first day of child care, what your schedule would be and about when you expect your baby to be born. We also want to allow ample time for you to ask questions about our early education and preschool programs.

Does Bright Horizons have a daycare waiting list? What do I do if I want to enroll in a program and space is not available when my family’s maternity and paternity leave are over?

Depending on where you live, and schedule you need for care, you may see daycare waitlists. You can select and register with up to three Bright Horizons child care locations, including the center in which you are most interested. By registering, you are confirming interest in all three centers. Once registered, we will add you to our waitlist and offer you a space as soon as one becomes available. Our goal is to accommodate families as soon as space allows, and so during the entire process, we will keep in touch with you regarding your status. While waiting for a space to become available at the first-choice location, many families enroll at their second or third choices temporarily until space becomes available at their first-choice centers. Enrolling at another location will not only solve your immediate child care needs, but will provide you priority access to your first preference.

Is it safe to send my newborn baby to daycare?

Ask each child care provider you’re considering to take the time to explain all health and safety policies to you. Consider asking:

1. How will you contact me if my baby gets sick at daycare?

2. Can a mildly ill child (stuffy nose, cough) still come to daycare?

3. How do you decide if a child needs emergency medical care?

4. Are daycare staff trained in first aid and CPR?

5. How do you approach wellness, exercise, healthy eating and self-care for babies?

Bright Horizons is trusted by parents including many doctors and nurses, to care for their children. We’ve partnered with pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Kristin Moffitt of Boston Children’s Hospital to implement enhanced safety protocols for all areas including daily health screening, distancing, cleaning, and disinfecting. Our goal is to ensure that all of our health and safety practices in every center are in line with recommendations provided by the CDC and requirements of state and local municipalities. All Bright Horizons centers have the well-being of children, families, and staff at their core.

What about licensing inspections?

A parent may review the licensing data for any given facility through an online web portal. Any recent violations should be reviewed by the parent, as the violations often include valuable information about the facility.

Are there specific philosophies in daycare?

Different daycare programs have different ideas about how a child should grow. A parent should familiarize themselves with the early childhood learning philosophies a daycare uses before entrusting a child to that facility. Learn more about what makes the Bright Horizons curriculum different in its approach to support early learning and the support Bright Horizons provides to working parents and daycare teachers.

Are lower child to teacher ratios always better?

The ideal child to caregiver ratio changes as children grow. An infant needs a lot of attention to thrive, whereas a preschooler needs more freedom to explore. Child-to-teacher ratios may differ from state-to-state. 

How can I compare daycare costs?

Daycare costs will depend upon on your child’s age when they begin care as well as the center location where you’d like to attend. To get a customized tuition quote for Bright Horizons, we will set up a Zoom or in-person meeting with you to discuss your family’s needs and calculate what tuition would look like for you.

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Comparing different care options? Print out our checklist to make it easy to make comparisons and choose the best care for your family.

Get Our Checklist

Bright Horizons: much more than newborn daycare

Bright Horizons baby daycare offers safety, security, and nurture for your baby. But we also provide early education that gives infants a head start on the cognitive, emotional, and physical skills they’ll need as they grow and mature. Our research-based programs and welcoming environments are designed to support your baby’s developmental milestones as well as tomorrow’s leaps toward the future.

Highlights of our newborn daycare programs include:

• Personalized care plans to support daily schedules and nutrition guidelines
• Classrooms designed for safe exploration
• Sensory-rich environments and soft places for crawling
• An assigned primary caregiver for caring, one-to-one moments of play and communication
• Safety, security, and cleanliness practices that meet or exceed all state, local, and national guidelines

Find a center near you to get started with Bright Horizons

Find a Center

Or call us to start the conversation 877-624-4532

Bright Horizons offers more than a traditional daycare. It helps parents looking for education-based Boston daycare, NYC daycare, Chicago daycare, Washington, DC daycare, Los Angeles daycare, San Francisco daycare, Seattle daycare and local daycares in other cities. It also provides back-up daycare and elder care, employer-sponsored child care, employer tuition assistance, workforce education, and student loan repayment programs. Bright Horizons Global Headquarters is located in Newton, Massachusetts, USA.

Infant Day Care: How to Choose and When to Start

Hunting for child care for your baby? There are different options when it comes to choosing child care for your baby—in-home care or care at a private home or facility commonly referred to as a day care center. To help you decide, we’ve compiled the pros and cons as well as checklists for the common child care options available.

The Lowdown on Day Care for Infants

Many parents know from the get-go that they will need day care for their baby, while others may not know exactly when this need will arise. No matter what your situation is, you may have a tough time thinking about letting someone else care for your precious baby.

Your best bet is to do some research ahead of time and find the best options for your infant, whether you’re considering hiring a child care professional like a babysitter or nanny, or dropping your little one off at a day care center or family home. Your baby’s health, safety, and development are crucial, and the right child care setting with high quality care can help promote all of that. Read on to learn all the things to consider when choosing the child care for your little one.

When to Start Looking for Infant Day Care

The timeline for when to start looking for infant day care will depend on your personal situation. Do you want full-time or part-time care? Do you need care soon after he’s born, or are you looking for care that will begin when he’s older? For many parents, a good time to start searching is before their baby is born.

If you haven’t decided on what you want or need, it’s still worth researching and exploring your options as soon as possible during pregnancy so that you’re prepared for whatever comes up.

When Is a Good Time for Your Baby Start Day Care?

Every baby is different, and each family’s situation is unique. In general, babies up to 7 months old easily adapt to being cared for by a caregiver. Older babies and toddlers may have more difficulty adapting to a new caregiver. The 7- to 12-month stage may be especially challenging because babies tend to become anxious around strangers during that period.

To help your baby get used to a new caregiver, set up a time for your baby to meet the potential caregiver, whether that’s in your home, in her home, or at a day care center. Continue by increasing the length of time at subsequent visits to help your baby acclimate to the caregiver. Eventually your presence may not be needed as the two may form a bond.

Once you’re ready to start regularly dropping your baby off at day care, consider creating a brief goodbye ritual, which may include giving your baby a hug and a kiss, letting her know you’ll be back later, and waving goodbye as you walk away. This can help ease your baby’s separation anxiety.

Oftentimes, separation will be harder for you than for your baby. So, take heart in knowing that your baby will be in good hands. If you like, you could ask the caregiver to send you text and photo updates throughout the day.

Budgeting for Infant Day Care

Budgeting for the cost of just the right child care option for your infant is a personal decision. Think about what you need, what you expect, and what you can afford before beginning your search.

If you think you may need financial assistance, you may have options available to you such as dependent assistance eligibility from your employer or subsidies from your state. Government resources such as ChildCare.gov are a good place to start.

To save on the cost of child care, you or your partner might consider adjusting work hours so that the amount of time you may need child care is reduced.

You might also check with agencies as well as child care referral organizations, such as Child Care Aware, which may have information on the average cost of infant day care and financial assistance.

How to Choose Infant Day Care

In order to choose the right child care facility for your baby, it’s a good idea to visit each home or center that you’re considering. Some may have waiting lists, which is another good reason to start your search sooner than later. Once you’re at a site, take the opportunity to ask as many questions as you’d like.

When starting your search, feel free to ask others for recommendations. Look to family, friends, coworkers, and your child’s healthcare provider for suggestions. Child care agencies can also be helpful during your search.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when choosing infant day care:

• How many days and hours per week might I need for my baby’s care?

• Where do I want my baby’s care to take place: in my home, in a caregiver’s home, or at a center?

• How close or far can the child care facility be from my home or workplace?

• Will I be able to transport my child back and forth from home (or my workplace) and the child care facility?

• What type of backup plan might I have in place if the caregiver is be unavailable due to illness?

• What size child care program do I prefer, small or large?

• How much can I afford to spend on child care?

For more information on how to choose child care for your baby, check out the checklists below each type of child care for infants in the following section.

Types of Infant Child Care

There are different types of child care for babies that you might consider. In the following sections, read about the pros and cons of each type of care, and get checklists on what to look out for when choosing that specific type of child care.

In-Home Child Care

As the term would suggest, in-home child care takes place in your home. Depending on what arrangement you decide upon, you could have a babysitter who drops by each day, or you might have a nanny or an au pair living with you.

Pros

• Your baby stays home

• You don’t have to drop your baby off at day care

• You may be able to set your own requirements with the child care professional

• Hours may be more flexible

• Your baby receives individualized attention

• No exposure to other children’s illnesses or negative behaviors

• The child care professional may help out with light housework or prepare meals during your baby’s nap

• If you’ve used an agency, it’s another level of reassurance that references have been checked and the caregiver’s background has been cleared.

Cons

• In-home child care isn’t regulated

• It can be on the expensive side when compared to other child care services

• If you’ve used an agency, you most likely will have to pay an agency fee

• The caregiver may not be well trained in child development, first aid, and CPR

• There are responsibilities and requirements you will need to meet as an employer

• You may find it uncomfortable knowing a caregiver is living in your home

• There are fewer opportunities for your baby to socialize with other children, as would happen in a day care center

• If your caregiver becomes ill, you’ll have to find a backup person.

Family Child Care

In some instances, child day care is provided in someone’s private home, often for a group of children of different ages. Small operations may have fewer than 6 children at a time, and larger ones up to 12 children at a time.

Pros

• Your baby is in a home-like setting with other children to socialize with

• Family child care is generally less expensive than in-home child care or day care

• Homes must meet local or state safety regulations and cleanliness standards

• Certain homes may provide specific care for children with special needs or flexible hours.

Cons

• Quality may vary from home to home

• Some, but not all, family child care homes participate in child care training and have staff undergo background checks

• Homes may not be as well-equipped as the facilities in larger day care centers

• You may be asked to drop off and pick up your baby at designated times, which may not align with your schedule.

Day Care Centers

Child care centers, or more commonly known as day care centers, are larger facilities that are organized and staffed with people who are trained to care for groups of children, ranging from newborns to preschool-aged children.

A day care center is typically housed in a building that’s not a home. It may have separate rooms for children of different ages, especially if it’s a combined day care, preschool, or pre-kindergarten program.

The child care center may be independent, part of a local chain, a nonprofit, or funded by the state or federal government. Some programs may have eligibility requirements based on income, and some may be affiliated with a religious institution.

Pros

• Child care facilities must meet local and state standards

• Programs are often structured and designed for different age levels

• The staff is often highly educated and has experience working with children

• There are often multiple staff members who provide care, so there is less of a worry of having backup if a caregiver becomes ill

• There are plenty of opportunities for your baby to socialize with the other children

• Hours may be flexible, with options for part-time care or extended care

• There may be an option for checking in on your baby through a secure live online video feed.

Cons

• Regulations may vary from center to center

• These types of centers can be expensive

• Some large child care facilities may have waiting lists

• The more children in the facility, the higher the chance that your baby may become ill

• If your child has a mild illness, like a cold, you may be asked not to bring your child to the center during her illness

• Centers may specify drop-off and pick-up times, and may even charge a fee if you miss the specified time.

The Bottom Line

Choosing a child care option for your baby is an important decision. That’s why it’s never too early to start looking.

There are three main options to consider when choosing child care: in-home care, family child care, or day care. Each one has its pros and cons, and cost considerations. There are some questions you’ll have to ask yourself when weighing the options, such as budget, location, and the type of care you’d like for your baby, among others.

When researching options, start online, ask your baby’s healthcare provider for recommendations, and talk to other parents. Read up on the facility you’re considering and ask to take a tour and meet with the staff. It will be a good opportunity to get all your questions answered and see if it’s the right fit for your little one.

Top 10 Infant Child Care Providers Near Me

Recent infant child care reviews

Kyndal L.

Kyndal was amazing taking care of our 3.5 month old! She was so caring and loving towards him. She made us feel so comfortable, and always sent us pictures and updates from their day together. We were so lucky to get to work with her and plan to continue using her for date nights and weekends nowthat he is starting daycare!…

– Sara A.

Mikelah M.

Mikelah was such a wonderful nanny! It is always difficult leaving your little one with someone else, but she made it so comfortable. She was always able to provide fresh ideas and fun age-appropriate activities every day. She was also extremely organized, helped create a schedule and organize awhole freezer of frozen milk. Most importantly, our little absolutely adored her :)…

– Sarah J.

Shirley M.

Shirley is very sweet and caring. She is very good with our 4 month old baby boy!

– Jeffrey G.

Alexa R.

Lexi was amazing. She responded to a last minute request. Arrived on time, stayed late when our plans changed yet again, and was sweet and fun with our kids. What a wonderful caregiver!! I will absolutely hire her again while I’m here on vacation! She left our space neater than we left it as well astaking the kids for some outdoor exploration. If I could give more than five stars, I would!…

– Ingrid J.

Paula A.

Paula may be new to Care.com but not too babysitting. My 15 month old absolutely loves her. She brings sock puppets that are simply lovely. She has been back a few times and is always on time…

– Sarah S.

Infants child care near me

Mariam N. | Bronx, NY

$28-40/hr • 7 yrs exp • 42 yrs old

Experience With Infants

Responds within a day

Description:

I am an author of two Children’s books, warm, loving and a trustworthy lady with a passion for children and willing to respect plus execute the style of parenting you feel best suits your family . I am lookingto work with a family as a nanny/babysitter Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. with flexibility in days and hours to stay late or be there earlier than 9 a.m. I am Infant CPR and First Aid certified. I have also done training in health and safety, understanding children, infant safety, challenging behavior management among others. I have taken responsibilities such as reading, exploring outdoors, tracing, arts and crafts, engaging the children in active play as well as educative play. Reading and respecting children in my care as well as helping them have and maintain a routine….

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Kyndal L. | Charlotte, NC

$22-26/hr • 10 yrs exp • 23 yrs old

Infant Nanny

Responds within a few hours

Description:

Hi, my name is Kyndal I am 22 years old and a career nanny specializing in infants current trained newborn care specialist . I started babysitting when I was 8 years old, it started off as family members suchas cousins and family friends then over the years my babysitting services slowly branched off into other people I also have a 9-year-old brother. Some of my hobbies include reading, writing , crafting and trying new restaurants in my area I am a foody I love to eat! I care for children of all ages, but my calling is infants. I am babysitter certified through the red cross And I am CPR and First Aid certified. I love caring for children because not only can I teach them things but they can teach me as well, I feel like every Babysitting or Nanny job I go on I not only learn more about myself but I learn different things about children and how they respond in different situations looking forward to hearing from you soon!…

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Recent Review:

Kyndal was amazing taking care of our 3.5 month old! She was so caring and loving towards him. She made us feel so comfortable, and always sent us pictures and updates from their day together. We were solucky to get to work with her and plan to continue using her for date nights and weekends now that he is starting daycare!…

Reviewed by Sara A.

Description:

Hi, my name is Mikelah, I am a mother and an early childhood educator.
My career started at a childcare center in the infant room. Then to a substitute role and traveling around to many centers in the Metro,working with infants and toddlers. I have cared for my own children and nephew as well. Now I provide private, tailored to your needs, in your home care!
I am also working towards my bachelor’s degree and learning more about young children and their families. I will graduate with a BA in Infant, Toddler, and Family Dynamic Studies next spring. My next venture will be in postpartum doula training!
Babies are my passion! Seeing the curiosity in their eyes and their eagerness to learn is amazing.
I would love to find a family that desires 1:1 (or multiple babies!) newborn, postpartum, and/or infant/toddler care up to 16-18 months when they may be ready to transition to group care.
Professional Profile and references available upon request
Let’s chat!!…

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Recent Review:

Mikelah was such a wonderful nanny! It is always difficult leaving your little one with someone else, but she made it so comfortable. She was always able to provide fresh ideas and fun age-appropriateactivities every day. She was also extremely organized, helped create a schedule and organize a whole freezer of frozen milk. Most importantly, our little absolutely adored her :)…

Reviewed by Sarah J.

Description:

Hi name is Shirley, I am from Europe (Spain) and I’m 36years old. I am a happy, easygoing, responsible and sociable person who loves spending time with children.
I have more than 10 years of experience as ananny having worked with multiple families (check my reviews) with infants and children (0-5) in Europe and USA. CPR and drive license for more than 15 years.
Since the last 5 years I specialized on newborn care and infants under 1yrs. My actual availability is overnight, evenings and weekends.
I am not COVID19 vaccinated.
Please feel free to check my reviews and contact at me for further information.
Hope to hear from you!
Regards,
Shirley…

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Recent Review:

Shirley is very sweet and caring. She is very good with our 4 month old baby boy!

Reviewed by Jeffrey G.

Alexa R. | Kailua Kona, HI

$30-40/hr • 10 yrs exp • 26 yrs old

Infant Caretaker

Responds within a few days

Description:

Hi!
I am a PhD student studying imagination and mindfulness on the brain inside and outside of my schooling. I have worked with children professionally and as a caretaker for about 10 years. I only haveamazing recommendations, and every child’s family becomes an extension of mine.
Mahalo Nui for your time…

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Recent Review:

Lexi was amazing. She responded to a last minute request. Arrived on time, stayed late when our plans changed yet again, and was sweet and fun with our kids. What a wonderful caregiver!! I will absolutely hireher again while I’m here on vacation! She left our space neater than we left it as well as taking the kids for some outdoor exploration. If I could give more than five stars, I would!…

Reviewed by Ingrid J.

Amy R. | Kaukauna, WI

$15-20/hr • 10 yrs exp • 47 yrs old

Infant Care

Responds within a few hours

Description:

Hi, my name is Amy. I am a married mother of 3 school age boys. After staying home with my boys for 12 years I have decided to nanny instead of returning to an office job!
I’m searching for a family with anewborn to care for approx 3 days per week close to the Kaukauna/Darboy/Kimberly area beginning in September 2023. Most families I help are on a daycare waiting list or prefer one on one care for their newborn the first few months. I’ve also helped new mothers that just need some time away to shop/nap etc.
I am a mature adult, drama free and reliable with many years of experience and references.
I am open to traveling to your home or having your baby at my clean, pet free home in South Kaukauna near the High School.
My family enjoys spending time in the summer at our family cabin. I also enjoy occasionally golfing with my boys and volunteering at the PAC in Appleton.
Please message me if you have any questions!…

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Paula A. | Phoenix, AZ

$20-35/hr • 10 yrs exp • 76 yrs old

Infant Care

Responds within 4 hours

Description:

I am interested in a part time position helping you with your child/children. I live by Desert Ridge in N. Phoenix. I have 2 grown children, I am flexible with the hours as I am retired. I am in perfect health,I am a part time yoga instructor. I would be happy to meet with you to discuss your needs. Please no pets or smoking as I am allergic. Paula…

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Recent Review:

Paula may be new to Care.com but not too babysitting. My 15 month old absolutely loves her. She brings sock puppets that are simply lovely. She has been back a few times and is always on time…

Reviewed by Sarah S.

Description:

Hi families! My first name is Vicki. I am a skilled, reliable, dependable, positive and patient infant caregiver with 12+ years of experience caring for babies, ages newborn-2 years old. I worked in the CribRoom for 11 years at Methodist Day School from 2009 to 2020 and have been an infant nanny for over the past nearly 2 years from August 2020-June 2022. I adore babies, and with me, your child will receive exceptional care full of interaction, patience and love. I can also help with light housekeeping like vacuuming, small loads of laundry and washing baby dishes, if needed. I am a mother myself to 2 wonderful boys, ages 18 and 21. I can assure you that I will care for your precious baby just like they were my very own….

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Recent Review:

I am very grateful to have found Michele when we did. She helped us nanny through a very sensitive stage in my daughter’s development. We experienced dropping to 2 naps, teething, trying solids, separationanxiety, saying her first word. No matter the changes that were going through that day/week, Michele always brought her bubbly energy to work. During playtime, she sang nursery songs, read books, played games with her – it was very sweet to watch.
Although I worked from home, I felt safe knowing my daughter was in Michele’s care (even if I wasn’t nearby). Having her here also allowed my husband and I some time back for ourselves. I could actually focus on work and my husband found time to get back to his exercise. I highly recommend Michele to anyone looking for a nanny!…

Reviewed by Tina S.

Description:

I’m an extremely passionate person and I love working with children. Most of my experience is working with infants and toddlers. I have 26 years experience working as a nanny and in child care centers too. Ihope to find a families that I can work as a team with and become like part of their family. …

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Jessyca B. | Atlanta, GA

$23-30/hr • 7 yrs exp • 29 yrs old

Infant Specialist

Responds within 4 hours

Description:

Hi families,
I am 29 years old, newly married and I am originally from Brazil. I have been living in Atlanta area for almost 5 years. I am CPR certified (American Red Cross). I am a safe driver with a reliablecar, and good swimmer. Non-smoker. Vaccinated and Boosted.
I have lots of experience with kids since newborn to teenagers. Mostly with little babies and Elementary school ages.
I have many good references and they all would be glad to talk to you. You can see some reviews here on my profile but feel free to reach me out.
My hourly rate starts at $23/h, it depends on how many kids, how many hours we will set. I am open to nanny share….

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Recent Review:

Hired Jesse for back up babysitting for a few days, she was punctual, took great care of my two boys (3yrs old and 11 month old), kept them on schedule and kept things clean.

Reviewed by Amy W.

Description:

I’m from Colombia. I have a bachelor’s degree in education with emphasis in Languages like Spanish, French, etc. I have nine years of experience working with infants of different ages (from new born until13years old. I have 5 years of experience in my country Colombia and 4 years in the U. S. ). I am currently working as a Spanish teacher and I’m doing my Master’s degree in bilingual education. I would love to find a lovely family to work with for summer time. I’m a very loving and caring person….

Background Check

Recent Review:

Angie watched our son from 3 months until he was about 1.5 years old. Angie was caring, dependable, professional, knowledgeable and was great for us who were first time parents! She also taught our son Spanishand English. We loved our time with her and highly recommend her!…

Reviewed by Moira V.

Laura G. | Littleton, CO

$30-40/hr • 10 yrs exp • 62 yrs old

Newborn/Infant Night Nanny And Infant Sleep Consultant

Responds within a few days

Description:

8/2022 Update: I’ve been a professional newborn night nanny and infant nanny for over 20 years and I love my job! I am also a Certified Infant Sleep Consultant and I teach families how to get their babies todevelop healthy sleep habits from newborn to 24 months (or young toddlers still in a crib. ) I love offering quality support to families during this life-changing transition and recovery from birth. I’m very easy going, responsible, organized, hard working and honest. Good communication with my nanny family is very important to me in order to maintain a stress free relationship. If you are looking for expert newborn care, I’m here for you! If you are looking to teach your baby to be an amazing sleeper within a week or so, message me about how to do that. I have a 100% success rate in children ages 8 weeks to 24 months old. I look forward to supporting your family however I can. Laura…

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Recent Review:

Laura was a lifesaver! Our almost 4 month old was waking up almost every 90min most nights and needing constant soothing. My husband and I were desperate for more sleep. Laura provided lots of helpful sleepeducation and constant support throughout our time together. I felt very clear on how to carry out the sleep plan she created for him. By the end of a few nights, he was sleeping 11-12 hours and only waking up 1-2 times to eat. It was a miracle!
We are so grateful to be getting more sleep and so is our baby….

Reviewed by Andrea G.

Joseph M. | Wellington, FL

<$10/hr • 10 yrs exp • 80 yrs old

Infant Care Provider

Responds within 5 hours

Description:

Currently care for a girl, 3 years old, since she was 3 months old and now including her sibling brother, (2013 to present), and three other families on an “as required” basis as well as working in childcarecenter. My Previous Experience: 1. Volunteer at The C.’s Place assigned to their infant care center 1995-2004, 2. Volunteer at the C.’s Home Society, caring for infants, 2003-2004 3. Volunteer at St. M.’s Hospital, pediatric care units, 2004 4. 10 years as a volunteer and paid staff member at B. Horizons Childcare facility, infant care center. 3/2005-Present 5. Staff member of N., Nanny Service providing childcare support for FPL during hurricane emergencies, 2005. 6. Childcare provider for a 6-month-old boy and 7-year-old girl 2005. 7. Childcare for infant triplets (2 girls and 1 boy) and their older sibling. Responsibilities included preparing dinner, bathing and executing all the requisite bedtime routines, 2004-2007. 8. Primary caregiver for my granddaughter starting when she was 8 weeks old until she was about 8 months old. And then for grandson to a lesser degree. Starting July 2008 9. Childcare for 7-week-old infant boy, based on an agreed look ahead advanced schedule., 2008-2008. Provided baby-sitting support for a family of three girls, approximately age 4, and 2 years and 7 months (2009-2010). Care for an infant girl, born 4/2010 every Monday (2010-2012. 10. Assist in the care of twin newborn boys and 3-year-old sibling. Started caring for twins when they were out of the hospital, 2010-2012) 11. Volunteer at the childcare center for the H. Classic providing childcare for PGA player’s families, 2008- 2011. Serve as Tournament Childcare Committee Co-Chairperson. 12 Completed State of Florida Childcare Workers certification course. Am infant and child CPR and First Aid certified through 10/2011. Completed FBI and FDLE screening June 2011 I am a college graduate (engineering-1965), retired from Pratt and Whitney Aircraft with 35 years service (1965- 2000), and a dad to two grown daughters and four grandchildren. Wellington resident since 1977….

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Kristen T. | Olathe, KS

$18-22/hr • 10 yrs exp • 49 yrs old

Love Newborns And Infants!

Responds within a day

Description:

Hello! I have 11 years experience as a nanny and 12 years experience as a stay home mother of two sons, who are now teenagers.
I LOVE newborns and infants, and would love to find a couple just starting theirfamily who needs help and expertise in navigating this beautiful and sometimes challenging time! Safety is always my #1 priority!
I am up to date on all my vaccinations, including Covid, flu, & Tdap (whooping cough, tetanus) and I am a non-smoker. I drive a minivan. Thank you for viewing my profile!. ..

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Recent Review:

Kristen was a great choice for our family! She was extremely hands on with our 4 month old and worked with him everyday on tummy time, structured routines, and milestone development.

Reviewed by Ashley F.

Description:

I am looking for a long term position. I especially LOVE caring for newborns and staying long term with one family! I am invested in encouraging the growth and development in the most important early years. Iam trustworthy, dependable and provide safe and nurturing care. I love reading, doing art with children and giving them new experiences. I also love music. I have 30+ years experience caring for children in my home and in others homes as a nanny. I was a lead teacher in a private preschool for 10 years. I raised two children of my own. I would like to be paid $25 per hour. I prefer taxes withheld, salaried, holidays and vacation pay. I would love to be a part of caring for your child and partnering with parents on each child needs. …

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Recent Review:

I highly recommend Jennifer. She has been our children’s nanny for 3 years. She started with us when my daughter was 3 months and son was 5. Jennifer is very trustworthy, caring, and thoughtful, and has goneabove and beyond to make sure both of my children’s needs are met. She was also with us during the entire pandemic, and throughout this difficult time for everyone, has been patient and helpful. She is always willing to jump in whenever needed – including helping with remote learning for my son and continuing to create interactive and engaging activities for my daughter. It’s been a wonderful experience with Jennifer and we consider her a part of our family. I’m happy to provide a reference….

Reviewed by Jessica H.

Christie L. | Lakewood, CA

$20-20/hr • 10 yrs exp • 70 yrs old

Infant/Toddler Nanny

Responds within 5 hours

Description:

Since my early retirement, I have been caring for children ranging in age from newborn-12 years old. In addition to tending to their daily needs, I assist in light housekeeping when needed. I have reliabletransportation and can provide references upon request. I am reliable and nurturing to the children I have cared for. My true passion is caring for infants/toddlers!
Looking forward to discussing the ways I may support your family. I am CPR certified.
As a single parent I have raised my two daughters, that I am extremely proud of.
I also have four beautiful grandchildren!
Would love to help you out! Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you, Christie…

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Recent Review:

Christie was unbelievable! We still talk about how lucky we were to find her and brag about her to all our friends. She watched over our daughter during our work hours from the age of 6 months to 2yrs. Ourdaughter loves Christie like a family member (more than most actually). Christie is so attentive and gives her 100% of her attention the whole time. She is knowledgable on ways of doing things but gladly asks how you like to do things. Our daughter cheers when she hears Christies car lock and her knock on the door. She is extremely watchful, observant, and safe. We asked her to message us if there were any concerns and she kept is well informed and messaged us as soon as anything was off with our daughters behavior or well being. We never had any kind of non-positive issues or experiences with Christie. I can’t say it enough, she is the absolute best!!!! We plan on continuing to be friends with her and she knows she is welcome at our house for any reason at anytime….

Reviewed by Nicole S.

Ashtyn G. | Queen Creek, AZ

$25-35/hr • 9 yrs exp • 22 yrs old

Experienced Infant Nanny

Responds within a few hours

Description:

Hi I’m Ashtyn:) I’ve been babysitting since I was 12, and been a professional nanny for the past 5 years. I have extensive experience with newborns/infants and specialize in child development. I absolutely lovekids and the joy they bring! You can expect nothing but best when it comes to your kids!:)
I am flexible and open to discussing anything.
Looking for 25-30 hours a week (open to more)
Feel free to message me for more details about my experience and journey:)…

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Recent Review:

If you’re looking for a nanny to care and love your kiddos Ashtyn is your answer! Being a mom of many kiddos it is priceless to know Ashtyn is not only responsible, helpful, kind, but most importantly knows howto have kids feel cherished and valued! I highly recommend Ashtyn!…

Reviewed by Tristyn L.

Description:

I took care of a brother (3yr) and sister (9yr) for over one year. I also raised a 3 mo. premature infant of my own. She is now an adult. I prefer babies and toddlers to take care of. I have been a Reg. Nursefor over 35 yrs. I am currently retired and own a car….

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Recent Review:

Sharon is an absolute amazing person. She is wonderful with our 2 girls. She without being asked has helped the girls with things like teaching my oldest to tie her shoes on her own, homework and even helpswith dinners if needed. Sharon has always been on time and has never cancelled. She is an absolute wonderful choice for any family looking for a little extra help….

Reviewed by Emmanuel J.

Description:

I have enjoyed working with young children all of my adult life. I started my career as a special education teacher and eventually left teaching to homeschool two of my own children. Currently, I work privatelyand through the state’s Early Intervention program, to help toddlers who have developmental delays. I am looking to fill the remainder of my week by providing a caring and stimulating environment for an infant or young siblings, part-time. I would also consider a full time position.
As a childcare provider, I love playing with young children, watching them learn new skills and discover the world around them. I would be happy to help your child discover, grow and have fun!
I have my own car for transportation and I am a non-smoker who aims to live a healthy lifestyle. I enjoy the beach, small hikes, gardening, and reading. I hope you find my profile interesting and look forward to hearing from you.
References available upon request….

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Recent Review:

Elizabeth was excellent working with my son with his special-needs. She worked with him on his speech, behavioral and social interactions, and recognizing numbers, letters, shapes. She also worked with him onart and sensory activities. She is very caring and professional in her dealings with children. I would highly recommend her!…

Reviewed by Glaiza B.

Brandy S. | Durham, NC

$27-45/hr • 10 yrs exp • 46 yrs old

Newborn And Infant Nanny

Responds within 4 hours

Description:

I am a nanny specializing in newborns, toddlers and infant/toddler multiples. I have over 20 years of experience, with the past 10 years dedicated to children 0-2y.

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Recent Review:

I would like to recommend Brandy as a nanny. She cared for my newborn son from 7days old -2yrs. Brandy is bright, reliable, and affectionate. She is also extremely well-versed in infant development and has anatural affinity toward children. My son had colic as a baby, and Brandy had the patience of a saint. She spent hours walking him to try and bring him comfort, not once getting stressed out with his crying. I never had to worry about my son while in her care. Brandy knows how to structure time well, while also offering the flexibility I needed as a working mom. I feel fortunate to have hired Brandy as a nanny. I am convinced that my son owes much of his positive development to her presence. Her approach complemented my parenting style well, as she respected my personal philosophies while being confident to make day to day decisions for my son. In the two years that Brandy cared for my son, I was able to focus completely on work; and know that he was safe, happy, and loved.
Liz…

Reviewed by Elizabeth A.

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Looking for infant child care?

Finding quality infant care that you can trust shouldn’t have to be so hard. Hiring an infant child care provider can be a perfect option for parentslooking to have dedicated hands on care for their babies in their own home. Compare providers profiles by experience, hourly rate, and read reviews from other parents to help you find a match that’s right for you….

Finding quality infant care that you can trust shouldn’t have to be so hard. Hiring an infant child care provider can be a perfect option for parents looking to have dedicated hands on care for their babies in their own home. Compare providers profiles by experience, hourly rate, and read reviews from other parents to help you find a match that’s right for you.

Infant child care by the numbers

52,369 providers

6.7 yrs avg. experience

60,190 member reviews

4.7 / 5 avg. rating

FAQs for finding infant child care

How much does it cost in 2022 to hire an infant child care provider?

Hiring someone on Care. com to provide infant child care costs an average of $16.75 per hour at a national level as of October 2022. Each provider’s hourly rate may vary depending on their experience working with infants, any specialized training they have with kids in that age range and the specific job duties you need them to take care of.

What does a child need in kindergarten? Kindergarten Needed List

Your baby is going to kindergarten. In addition to worrying about how he will get used to, whether they will offend him, you, as a parent, what will you feel, the question arises – what clothes are needed for kindergarten? Most importantly – the most simple and comfortable wardrobe. Daily walks, physical education, quiet time require changing clothes, which can take several hours. Do not complicate the child’s difficult period of addiction. He is learning to be independent, help him. Leave elegant dresses, jackets, shirts, sets of 5 things at home.

Group clothing.



Choose natural and lightweight fabrics. Items must be true to size. Tight clothes are difficult to put on, too loose will hinder movement. In order not to lose, make them nominal. For example, removable tags, embroidery or special thermal labels that can be attached with an iron are suitable. Add a funny picture to the baby’s name and he will easily find his things.

Whatever clothes you choose for kindergarten, it must meet the following criteria.

• Top without fasteners.

Knitted dresses, blouses, T-shirts that are removed over the head. Even one button, the baby will unfasten much longer or will be forced to ask for help from the teacher.

• Elasticated bottom.

These skirts and jeans are much easier to remove. Imagine how many times a day a child goes to the toilet. He should be comfortable undressing and dressing himself.

• Short sleeve.

Children do not sit still, they play, run, jump. It’s always hot in the garden. Therefore, warm clothes are needed only for a walk.

• Free from synthetic materials that do not breathe.

Natural fabrics (cotton, linen) perfectly pass air and moisture. In them, the baby will be much more comfortable.

• Non-marking colors.

Leave light and white items at home. Choose dark shades or colorful patterns. Stains from accidentally dropped food and dirty puddles on such clothes are almost invisible, and it is much easier to wash them off. At the end of the day, the baby will look as neat as in the morning.

• Avoid a lot of parts that can easily come off, get caught and distract the child’s attention from activities.
• 3-4 sets to match.

An educator, and even more so a child, is unlikely to choose clothes by color. They usually wear whatever they can get their hands on.

• Velcro shoes and sandals.

The zipper is difficult to fasten, the laces can untie at the wrong moment. Choose anatomically shaped shoes with soft soles, comfortable heels, and hypoallergenic materials. Baby spend 8-9 in ithours a day, it should keep the leg in the correct position and prevent flat feet.

At the end of August – beginning of September, just before the new school year, there are sales of summer collections in most stores and on the Internet. You can save money and buy new clothes at a nice price. New shoes should not have a strong smell.

For a boy, the best option for casual wear is a T-shirt with short or long sleeves, shorts, tights, socks. Tights are preferable to trousers, because they can be worn under trousers on the street.

For kindergarten clothes, we advise the girl to choose a T-shirt, leggings, a knitted dress, matching or neutral socks. Leggings are easy to combine with any top, and the dress is easy to put on, if necessary, it can be tucked into pants.

During quiet hours, children usually sleep in T-shirts and shorts, only shorts or pajamas. Pajamas should be without buttons and locks so that nothing interferes with the child during sleep. 2 sets will suffice.

For a baby under 2 years old, diapers are necessary, especially for a walk. He can get carried away and forget to ask to go to the toilet.

Be sure to put in the locker:

• 2-3 handkerchiefs,
• comb to keep the child neat,
• bag for dirty clothes.

Never leave food or juice there.

Sportswear.

A separate uniform is required for sports activities. It allows the child to feel comfortable and adjusts to the lesson.

Usually a white T-shirt, black shorts or breeches, tracksuit. For girls, leggings can be additionally. On the feet are white or matching socks, Czech shoes, sneakers or sneakers.

In advance, check with the teacher about the color of the clothes, because each group may have its own color.

If the nursery has a swimming pool, one-piece swimsuit for girls, swimming trunks for boys, terry robe, rubber cap and flip flops may be needed.

Sportswear must meet the following requirements:

• tight-fitting, but loose, so that you can freely exercise,
• well absorb sweat and breathable,
• no extra details such as ties, ruffles that will distract or cause injury,
• the elastic should not be too tight on the stomach,
• no rough seams that can put pressure on the skin.

Shoes are of great importance:

• light, so as not to weigh down the foot and not give additional load,
• made of natural fabric (leather, suede) for natural gas exchange, so that the foot does not sweat,
• shock-absorbing, with an arch support, so the child’s joints will be protected from dislocations and sprains,
• with a thick, elastic and non-slip sole,
• match the size of the foot, do not squeeze the fingers.

It is important to keep your sportswear clean. Socks and tights should be washed daily, T-shirts and shorts once a week. Dry your shoes and clothes well so they don’t get wet. It is very convenient to pick up dirty clothes on Friday, bring a clean and ironed uniform on Monday.

Party wear.

Matinees are held regularly in the kindergarten. This is a way to show what the kids have learned during the classes and a reason to finally put on beautiful dresses and suits.

Smart clothes, like everyday clothes, should be comfortable and pleasant for the child.

For boys – these are dark-colored trousers and jackets, white or light-colored shirts. You can complement the image with a vest to match, a bow tie or a tie. In nursery groups, instead of trousers, shorts no lower than the knees are allowed.

A girl’s party dress should not be very long, with many details or on a corset. All this will interfere with movement and the baby will feel uncomfortable. Choose simple models that can be accessorized to a great advantage, such as bows or colored elastic bands.

What is the best way to walk?

Jackets, coats, parkas, choose a close-fitting style so that the baby is protected from wind, rain and snow. The material must “breathe” and have a water-repellent impregnation. Mandatory cuffs or elastic bands on the sleeves. Hood with zipper. Buttons and buttons can come unfastened at the most inopportune moment.

Kindergarten outerwear is preferred over dark colors. Light will get dirty at the first walk. Overalls are very comfortable – they protect well from the weather, cover the lower back and are easy to dress. One set of outerwear will be enough.

The ideal headdress is a hat-helmet. Easily removed, closes the throat and ears, without unnecessary details. If you still need a scarf, choose a short one, and preferably a snood or shirt-front. It is inconvenient to tie a long scarf, it clings to surrounding objects, you can pull it.

Mittens or gloves with elastic bands, otherwise 100% will be lost. Sew the ends of the elastic bands to the base of the mittens and pull them through the jacket. Sometimes mittens or gloves are sold with carabiners to attach to clothing. But the carabiner can break and be difficult to fasten, especially in cold weather, so the elastic is still popular.

Unlike outerwear, it is better to buy gloves from artificial fabrics. They are lightweight, dry quickly and keep you warm. Woolen products can get wet quickly and become heavy. It is better to have 2 pairs, in case of a replacement.

Thermal underwear is very comfortable to wear under overalls. It is thin, breathable, perfectly retains heat. Unlike him, thick sweatshirts and pants are long and uncomfortable to put on, the baby can be clumsy in them, move badly.

Choose shoes with Velcro. The laces and zippers are difficult for the child to unfasten or untie. The ideal option is wide boots or boots when you need minimal time to put them on. In the warm season – fabric boots. In the rainy season, rubber boots with removable insulation are comfortable. If it gets wet, it can be taken out and dried during the day. Stock up on felt boots with galoshes for frosts. They perfectly protect from the cold and do not allow the feet to get wet.

Leave expensive, hard-to-fasten shoes with a lot of accessories for visiting or individual walks.

In this article, you learned what clothes to buy for kindergarten: for everyday wear in a group, sports, quiet time, holidays and walks.

Follow these guidelines and your child will feel comfortable, quickly get used to kindergarten and will be happy to attend it.

First time in kindergarten

Harder than going to school. The baby’s world changes in an instant: familiar people, toys, room, everything becomes different. Instead of a calm awakening in a warm bed – a race with fees to the kindergarten. Instead of the usual mother, grandmother, nanny – someone else’s aunt and many new strangers, and, quite likely, also crying children.

Imagine yourself in his place. This is stress. And that’s putting it mildly.

But there is nothing to do, you have to get used to it.

This period of habituation is adaptation. But for a child, this means not only getting used to a new environment, regime, food. It is also a restructuring in the work of the entire child’s body.

You will see changes in your child right away. They are different:

• appetite may worsen;
• sleep may be disturbed;
• the child is more often naughty and throws tantrums;
• , on the contrary, can be apathetic, lethargic, depressed.

Often, at the beginning of attending a kindergarten, the skills that the child already had can give regression – for example, eating with a spoon, asking for a potty.

Children get used to it in very different ways. Some are fast, some are hard and long. Someone, it would seem, quickly adapted, and after 2-3 weeks gives out all possible regressions and whims.

Don’t panic and don’t try to skip kindergarten. This is a common thing, the child adapts and “probes” the situation around him. He needs time to deal with the stress he’s been put under.

Psychologists distinguish 3 degrees of adaptation.

Mild adaptation – 2 to 4 weeks. There are few problems with such a child – maybe only slight disturbances in sleep and appetite, but in general everything is fine.

The child sleeps well both day and night. With appetite, but sometimes selectively, eats. His mood is calm, typical for him in the period before kindergarten.

The one who took him to kindergarten is easily parted. In a group, he gets along with the guys, plays on his own.

Average degree of adaptation – a month or more.

Probably the most common. The kid begins to get sick often, misses many days in a row due to illness, again weans – and adaptation begins in a new circle. He sleeps badly during quiet hours, restlessly, sometimes does not sleep at all. Eats little and without appetite. And the child’s mood is almost always not very good – he worries, cries, reacts painfully to everything.

You don’t have to talk about parting with your mother – with tears and sobs, it is impossible to calm and distract a child for a long time. He hardly plays with other children, he waits for them to come for him to take him home.

Severe degree of adaptation – more than 2 months. And there is a possibility that addiction will never come. Sometimes doctors are even forced to recommend stopping kindergarten attendance.

Such children do not sleep during quiet hours. At home, they also sleep poorly at night, often with nightmares. He eats very badly, he may refuse to eat at all. The mood is constantly bad, can be aggressive – or, conversely, completely depressed. Such children often sit and sob in the locker room even after the mother leaves, they do not go to the group, and it is very difficult to calm them down. Children in the group and educators cause hostility.

In order to understand how to help a child adapt as easily as possible and without health problems, let’s look at factors that will definitely affect getting used to kindergarten.

Age

A child is sent to a nursery at the age of 1.5, and later to kindergarten. And, if there is no urgent need to send a child, then psychologists advise not to rush. According to statistics, the younger the child, the more addictive it is for him. He still needs a mother too much, too much attention is required. Yes, and the immune system is still not strong enough.

Most experts agree that the optimal age is 2.5 – 3 years, with three years being preferred.

Child’s health

Children who are often ill or have disabilities adapt to kindergarten harder than others. The same applies to children with chronic diseases. Pediatricians advise not to rush to send such children to kindergarten.

Skills developed

Eating with a spoon, drinking from a mug, asking for and going to the potty, dressing and undressing with the help of adults, but partially on your own – these are the skills that should be formed by the beginning of attending kindergarten. Therefore, try to teach your child all this in advance so that adaptation is easier. Especially given the fact that the regression of these skills can be observed in children who have begun to go to preschool. Also, be sure to teach your child to ask adults for help if needed. Cultivate independence in a child from childhood, encourage it – and it will be easier and faster for a child to adapt in kindergarten.

Degree of socialization

The child will have a lot of new contacts. Both with children and adults. Of course, the social circle of all children is different – someone except their family sees practically no one, someone constantly encounters a large number of people. It depends entirely on adults. Experts rightly believe that children who have extensive communication experience get used to kindergarten more easily. This is logical – if before that, apart from mom and dad, the child did not encounter anyone, the new environment will most likely cause him discomfort. Not to say horror.

And these are not all the factors influencing a child’s adaptation. It is also important which educators are in the group, whether there are many or few children in the team.

All this must be taken into account before going to kindergarten for the first time.

Is it possible to help a child adapt?

It is possible and necessary. Here are the simple rules.

1. Study the daily routine and menu in advance. Try to gradually transfer the child to a similar daily routine, accustom them to dishes that you usually don’t cook at home, but are often cooked in the kindergarten.
2. Get to know the teachers and nannies in advance, find out their requirements for children and parents. Offer help, tell how you can be useful for the group – for example, mom sews well, and dad can repair toys.
3. Tell the educator in advance about all the peculiarities of the child’s health and behavior, his habits, if there are allergies, then inform both the educators and the nurse about it. Discuss nutritional needs.
4. Try to send your child to kindergarten for the first time not during the growth of infectious diseases. It has already been noticed that in winter and summer children adapt more easily and get sick less than in spring and autumn.
5. Complete a full medical examination, make all vaccinations according to age BEFORE entering kindergarten. You can do all this at the MC “Our Joy”. Make an appointment with a pediatrician at 46-22-33, he will refer you to specialists, give you directions for tests, and then create a medical card that is required to attend kindergarten.
6. In advance, during a walk, show the child the kindergarten, the windows of his group, the walking area. Tell how fun and interesting it is for the guys, how they have lunch there, and sleep during the day, and play. But they always go home, never spending the night in the kindergarten.
7. If possible, introduce the child to the teachers in advance, let him learn their names if he speaks well.
8. Play “kindergarten” with your child at home, let him play it himself with soft toys and dolls.
9. Start visiting the garden from 1-2 hours a day, gradually increasing the time. Experienced mothers are advised to start with a morning walk.
10. Be sure to leave even a child who starts to get sick easily at home, take sick leave, and only after the final recovery go back to kindergarten.
11. Communicate with the caregiver when picking up the child, ask how the day went, what were the complaints, ask for advice on how to quickly overcome the adaptation period.
12. Do not scold or punish the child if he cries and does not want to go to kindergarten, talk and distract, and devote more time to him at home.
13. Do not run away secretly without saying goodbye, psychologists strongly discourage doing so. This increases the degree of distrust of the child. And never deceive a child by saying that you will pick up, for example, before quiet time, if you are not going to do this.
14. Do not bribe with gifts – toys, sweets. This absolutely cannot be done.
15. Allow me – if the teacher does not mind – to take your favorite toy with you.

These simple rules will make it much easier for both children and parents to start attending kindergarten.

And one more thing – always keep calm yourself, speak only positively and joyfully about the kindergarten and teachers. Do not even give your child the opportunity to think that kindergarten is bad. When going to the kindergarten in the morning, try to create an atmosphere of joyful expectation for the child that today there will be something new and interesting in the kindergarten.

And don’t worry if the child gets sick – such situations are typical of the adjustment period.

If the period of adaptation is not easy for your child, the psychologist of the MC “Our Joy” will help you. Sign up for a consultation at tel.46-22-33, and our specialist will tell you how to make the process of getting used to the kindergarten faster and easier.

why children get sick more often than adults, why colds and how to avoid it

My daughter is almost four years old. I noticed that as soon as she went to kindergarten, she began to constantly catch a cold. In the summer everything is fine, but here is September – and the daughter is again with snot. And the whole family gets sick in turn: first she gets sick, and then my husband and I get infected.

Why do children who go to kindergarten get sick all the time? Does this mean that they have weak immunity? And is it possible to make children less infected and sick?

Daniil Davydov

medical journalist

Author profile

Frequent childhood colds are not a sign of a weak, but a healthy immune system.

Preschool children get sick more often than adults, because their immunity is not yet able to effectively repel the attacks of viruses and bacteria. Once the immune system has gained experience with successful colds, children will become infected less. But the immune system cannot do without training: children who did not go to kindergarten and did not get sick there are doomed to often catch colds in the lower grades of school.

See a doctor

Our articles are written with love for evidence-based medicine. We refer to authoritative sources and go to doctors with a good reputation for comments. But remember: the responsibility for your health lies with you and your doctor. We don’t write prescriptions, we make recommendations. Relying on our point of view or not is up to you.

Why children get sick more often than adults

The immune system consists of two types of protective immune cells. Some cells are responsible for the innate immune response – they immediately know how to recognize foreign microorganisms that are most common. And the cells of the acquired immune response first need to learn to recognize pathogens.

How the Immune System Works – A Handbook for Physicians MSD

When a baby is first born, all of its immune cells are young and immature, just like itself. His innate immune system is not yet fully functional. And the cells of the acquired immune response have never met pathogenic viruses and bacteria, so they do not know how to recognize them and fight them.

Development of the immune system from birth to adulthood – Editorial Immunology

As a result, both protection systems in newborns work very poorly. In order for at least the innate immune system to mature, at least six months must pass from the moment of birth. Until then, children are very vulnerable, for example, to the flu: it is known that children younger than six months are more difficult to tolerate this infection and die more often from it than older children.

Therefore, in the first six months of life, it is very important to protect the baby from infection. It is necessary to carefully monitor that the baby communicates only with healthy family members, and give him all the required vaccinations.

/vaccination/

How to save on childhood vaccinations without saving on health

As a child gets older, their innate immune system gradually matures. The age from six months to six years is ideal for starting to get acquainted with the world around us and the pathogenic microbes that inhabit it. This is necessary to train the second important component of the child’s immune system – the cells of the acquired immunity.

Acquired immunity is responsible for immune memory – the body’s main defense against repeated infections. Acquired immunity cells are able not only to destroy pathogenic viruses or microbes, but also to remember the proteins that make up their membranes and cell walls for the future.

How the Acquired Immune Response Works – Khan Academy Training Course

Upon the second encounter with a familiar protein, memory immune cells quickly trigger the body’s defense systems to help destroy the dangerous virus and prevent disease. The problem is that when untrained adaptive immune cells encounter an enemy for the first time, they do not immediately realize that they are facing a dangerous microorganism. By the time the cells figure out what’s wrong, the child already has time to get sick.

And since children’s acquired immunity has never encountered pathogens, they are all new to it – children and get sick often.

Why children often get colds and not other diseases

Most modern people live in cities, drink clean water, maintain body hygiene and eat only processed or at least thoroughly washed food. This allows you to avoid meeting with the most dangerous infections that often overcame people in the past, such as cholera or typhoid fever.

Under these conditions, respiratory viral infections, which we call the common cold, come to the fore. Today, these are the most common infectious diseases in the world, not only in children, but also in adults.

The common cold: a review of the literature – European Journal of Internal Medicine

Cold viruses are easily transmitted from person to person through sneezing and coughing, and also through objects such as doorknobs and switches, on which viral particles remain. It turns out that even for modern citizens it is very easy to meet with cold viruses, but it is difficult to protect yourself from them.

At the same time, there are more than 200 types of cold viruses, and new ones appear all the time – hello, coronavirus! Adults have already encountered most of them and get sick only if they meet a new version of the virus. But children are still unfamiliar with any such virus, so they inevitably get sick more often.

This continues until the child’s immune system has learned all the most common pathogens. This is why most pediatricians around the world believe that frequent colds are a normal part of developing a child’s immune system.

It is normal for children to have frequent colds – Bulletin of the Comanche Memorial Hospital

How to tell if a child really is often ill

In our country, it is customary to divide children into ordinary and often ill – abbreviated CCI. It is believed that such children have structural features of the body, due to which the risk of developing pulmonary diseases, such as bronchial asthma, increases.

Frequently ill children: what else but infections – Journal of Continuing Professional EducationPDF, 233 KB

Children are classified as FIC if they catch a cold:

• under the age of one year – four or more times a year;
• in 1-3 years – six or more times a year;
• in 4-5 years – five or more times a year;
• over 5 years – four or more times a year.

Parents of children from the PIS group are advised to closely monitor their health and take them to the clinic often for examinations. However, not all child health experts believe that it is abnormal to have a cold more than six times a year.

Abroad, enough data has accumulated, according to which the incidence of a cold does not depend on bodily characteristics, but solely on the age of the child.

According to statistics, it is normal for a child from six months to six years to get sick 6-8 times a year. That is, one cold per month from September to the end of April. The normal duration of a cold at this age is 14 days, with symptoms like nasal congestion, cough, and runny nose lasting about 10 days each.

Common colds in children: clinical features – a guide for physicians Uptodate

When a child enters primary school, the number of colds decreases. Healthy high school students and adults get colds 2-4 times a year, and their symptoms last from 5 to 7 days.

Some parents fear that children with frequent colds may have primary immunodeficiency. This is the name of hereditary diseases in which part of the immune cells is either absent or does not work properly. However, primary immunodeficiencies are much less common than children who get sick more than six times a year. Only one child out of two thousand suffers from diseases from this group.

Understanding Primary Immunodeficiencies – Bulletin of the Boston Children’s Hospital

Immunodeficiencies are very rare – American Family Physician Magazine

In addition, common colds are not among the signs of immunodeficiency. It is possible to suspect this condition in a person under 18 if he has two or more of the following symptoms:

• there are people with confirmed primary immunodeficiency in the child’s family;
• the child is not gaining weight or cannot grow normally;
• within one year the child has had four or more ear infections, or two or more nose infections, or two or more pneumonias, i.e. pneumonia;
• a child has persistent thrush in the mouth or a fungal infection on the skin;
• the child suffers from deep abscesses, that is, ulcers on the body, which return again and again;
• the child had two or more serious infections, including sepsis, i.e. blood poisoning;
• the child was treated with antibiotics for two months or longer, but this did not help;
• The child has to be given intravenous antibiotics to treat infections.

10 Signs of Primary Immune Deficiency – Canadian Immunodeficiency Bulletin

Is it true that children often get colds in kindergarten

Preschoolers can catch a cold in any crowded place: on the bus, cinema, in the yard and in the country. But for most children, the first place where they meet a lot of new people, and therefore new viruses, is kindergarten.

Children who do not go to kindergarten actually get sick less often than those who do. At the same time, children who did not go to kindergarten are more likely to catch colds in the lower grades of school than those who attended it. Therefore, it makes no sense to endlessly postpone a meeting with viruses: perhaps it is worth training your immunity in kindergarten so that you don’t have to miss classes at school later.

Impact of kindergarten attendance on colds from birth to age 13 – Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine

What to do so that the child does not get sick in kindergarten

There is only one way to avoid the most dangerous childhood diseases – to make all the necessary vaccinations. Vaccines contain either neutralized viruses and killed microbes, or only their protein parts. As a result, acquired immunity cells get enough time and material to get acquainted with viral and microbial proteins, and the child does not get sick at this time.

Most of the vaccinations are in the National Immunization Schedule. All citizens of Russia who have a CHI policy can get them for free. Unfortunately, there are no vaccines for common colds, so it is impossible to completely avoid them. But you can get vaccinated against influenza – the vaccine is allowed for children starting from six months.

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What should be in a safe kindergarten and school

In the first two years of life, parents can give their children a few extra shots, but they will most likely have to pay.

What else can a child be vaccinated against: vaccination table for children under one year old by months

Disease	At what age do they get vaccinated
Rotavirus infection	B 2; 3 and 4. 5 months
Haemophilus influenzae type B if the child is not entitled to free for health reasons	B 3; 4.5; 6 and 18 months
Meningococcal disease	From 9 months: 2 doses 3 months apart From 24 months: 1 dose
Chicken pox	From 12 months: 2 doses at least 6 weeks apart
Hepatitis A	From 12 months: 2 doses 6 months apart
Tick-borne encephalitis if the child lives in or plans to visit an endemic area	From 12 months: 2 doses 1 month apart

These vaccinations can be given to the child additionally:

• rotavirus infection — in 2; 3 and 4.5 months;
• Haemophilus influenzae type B, if the child is not eligible for free due to health reasons — in 3; 4.5; 6 and 18 months;
• meningococcal infection – since 9months: 2 doses 3 months apart; from 24 months: 1 dose;
• varicella – from 12 months: 2 doses at intervals of 6 weeks or more;
• hepatitis A – from 12 months: 2 doses with an interval of 6 months or more;
• tick-borne encephalitis, if the child lives in or plans to visit an endemic area – from 12 months: 2 doses at intervals of 1 month.

There are no medicines that can prevent a cold, get rid of viruses that have already entered the cells, or shorten the duration of such a disease. But you can make it easier for the child to endure SARS.

Colds in children – Uptodate

Antipyretics. For children older than three months, only infant paracetamol is suitable – other drugs are contraindicated. Children older than six months can be given ibuprofen syrup. Aspirin and other drugs with acetylsalicylic acid will not work: in children with fever, this medicine can provoke a deadly complication – Reye’s syndrome.

Runny nose. Vasoconstrictor drops are not suitable for children under six years of age. To make it easier for the child to breathe, you can try to put saline drops in the nose – the snot will become more liquid, and it will be easier for the child to blow his nose.

Sore throat. To make it less painful, a child under six years of age can be offered a regular lozenge without antibiotics and without the painkiller benzydamine. So that the child does not choke, it is better to give him a lollipop.

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How much does it cost to vaccinate a child

Cough. If the child is older than one year, you can give him a tablespoon of honey at night. This will help ease the cough.

Most children recover completely from their colds and do not experience serious complications such as ear inflammation, otitis media, or eye inflammation – conjunctivitis. So you can treat a cold at home and without the help of a doctor.

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The most important questions about coronavirus

But sometimes a bacterial infection joins a viral infection. In this situation, you can’t do without the help of a pediatrician. Call the doctor if your child has any of these symptoms:

1. temperature +38.4 °C or more persists for more than three days;
2. nasal congestion gets worse or does not go away within 10 days;
3. the child has reddened eyes or yellow snot;
4. the child says that his ear hurts.

From the onset of symptoms of COVID-19, a person is contagious for an average of 7 days, colds 5 days, and from the onset of flu symptoms 3-4 days. At the same time, nasal congestion and snot in a child may not go away for up to two weeks from the onset of the disease.

COVID-19: Epidemiology, Virology and Prevention – Update

This means that the child does not have to stay at home all the time until all symptoms disappear. If more than a week has passed since the onset of a cold and the child feels well, he can be taken to kindergarten. He won’t infect anyone there, even if he still has a stuffy nose.

What is the difference between coronavirus, influenza and SARS

	COVID-19	Influenza	SARS
Incubation period	1-14 days, average 5 days	1-4 days, average 2 days	1-3 days
Time when a person is most contagious	In the first week after the onset of symptoms	3-4 days after symptom onset	One day before onset of symptoms and during the first 5 days of illness
Duration of illness since symptom onset	14 days for mild, 3-6 weeks for severe	Average 7 days	Average 7-10 days
Who gets sick more often	People over 45	Children under 18	People of all ages
Most common symptoms	Temperature 37. 5-38°C, cough, shortness of breath	Temperature 40 °C or more, headache, muscle and joint pain	Temperature up to 38 °C, headache, runny nose, cough
Most common complications	Severe bacterial pneumonia	Bacterial pneumonia, otitis, sinusitis, congestive heart failure	Complications are very rare
Who is most often ill with complications	People over 65, people with chronic diseases	Pregnant women, children under 5, people over 65, people with chronic diseases	People with chronic diseases
Lethality	Average 2.3%	Average 0.1%	Extremely rare

The incubation period

COVID-19

1-14 days, on average 5 days

flu

1-4 days, on average 2 days

SARS

1-3 days

1111111111111111111 Time when a person is most contagious

COVID-19

In the first week after symptom onset

Influenza

3-4 days after the onset of symptoms

SARS

One day before the onset of symptoms and during the first 5 days of illness

Duration of illness since the onset of symptoms

days with mild COVID-19 , 3-6 weeks in severe form

flu

on average 7 days

SARS

on average 7-10 days

who is more likely

COVID-19 9000

People 900 years old

flu

Children under 18 years old

SARS

people

The most frequent symptoms

COVID-19

Temperature 37.