Advice on how to transition 1-year-old to daycare?

[Anonymous]

My son will be almost 1 when he starts daycare. Until now he has been cared for at home by family members. I'm not sure what would be the best way to transition him to going to daycare: should we drop him off for a short time the first day, picking him up progressively later until he is there for a full day, or just start dropping him off for a full day on day 1?

He is very social and adventurous, so I am not worried that he will adjust well in the long run, but I don't know if a full day would be too much for him at first. On the other hand, babies don't really have a concept of time, so maybe it does not matter whether he eases in to full days or starts right away?

Any advice/experiences would be appreciated!

[Anonymous]

We didn't start daycare till my son was 1. My advice: start later in the week (Wednesday or Thursday) so it's only a few days till the weekend. You may need it more than he does, but it helps.

We did a few short days the first week or so as well.

No matter what, it will probably be a bit difficult on all of you for the first few weeks, and even after on Monday mornings...

[Anonymous]

Our daycare transitions were at 6 mos and 19 mos, so not your son's age, but in both cases we started by having one parent spend 1-2 hours there with DC as a visit shortly before starting. Then, on the first official day one parent stayed for an hour or so (the 6 mo transition) or long enough to get DC settled in and playing (the 19 mo transition).
The visit was good so that DC could become familiar with the space and the care providers in the reassuring company of a parent.

[Anonymous]

I actually just transitioned my twins (b/g) from in-home to a daycare at 13 months. They actually took to it really, really well (I got a lot of nice compliments from the staff). The one thing that I wish I had done sooner (I only had a week) was to make their nap times match up. We basically did a boot camp to get them on the same schedule and I think that really helped.

They do a 9-4 day - so not too long. We did an extended drop off but honestly the kids were so excited to do new things they basically just took off. A few days into it they figured it all out. But for the most part have really enjoyed it. One of mine is very outgoing - the other one is very independent but not outgoing and they both are doing well.

[Anonymous]

We started my daughter at day care at 12 months. She was very attached to me and my husband and previously had refused to let anyone else care for her. Our center did a gradual work-in for her: for the first few days, I attended with her for a couple of hours to show her that the place was acceptable to me and safe. Then I left her for an hour or so and came back to get her. Then we progressed to a half day. All told, it was about a week before DD was there full time on her own.

Be aware that a transition at this age his hard. DD spent around a week hiding in corners and trying to crawl under the furniture to go to sleep. The hardest time of the day for her was when other parents showed up to pick up their children, so I would recommend showing up a little early for the first week of full days if you can. Remember too how long a day seemed when you were a kid--it must seem like an eternity to a 1 yo! I would definitely ease your son into the day care setting. He might be very adventurous, but going to a whole new place is a big change for someone that little.