Managing Sleep Challenges with Daycare
Navigating Daycare and Your Child’s Sleep
Starting daycare can be a challenging transition for both parents and children. It brings a mix of emotions, new routines to adapt to, and the daunting task of entrusting others with your little one’s care. On top of that, the lack of control over nap schedules at daycare can feel overwhelming.
The good news is that, with time and the right strategies, your child can adjust and thrive in their new routine.
Here are some tips to help you manage the sleep transition at daycare:
Understanding the Daycare Nap Routine
The first step is to speak with the daycare staff about their approach to nap time. Nap routines and schedules can vary greatly from one centre to another. Some daycares are flexible and willing to align with your baby’s existing schedule, including capping naps where necessary. Others may follow a set schedule that applies to all children. If your baby is under one year old, this can be an important consideration when choosing a daycare.
Share with the carers how your baby typically falls asleep, so they can try to replicate familiar cues. However, keep in mind that it’s perfectly normal for your child to need extra support settling down for naps in the beginning.
If the staff are able to provide this support, it can make a big difference. Most babies adapt quickly and can differentiate between how sleep works at daycare and at home. For babies who are particularly sensitive to change, ensure the daycare gradually reduces this extra support once your little one starts to settle. This will prevent new sleep associations from forming if your baby is an independent sleeper at home.
Bring Familiar Sleep Aids
Starting daycare involves many changes, so offering some familiarity at nap time can be incredibly helpful. If your daycare permits, send along your baby’s sleep sack or blanket to provide comfort and the reassuring scent of home.
If your baby uses a comforter or soft toy, make sure they have it at nap time. It can offer a sense of safety and security. If you haven’t introduced a comforter yet, now might be the perfect time to do so.
For children who use a dummy, ensure one is available at daycare. If the centre allows it, a portable white noise machine can also be a great addition to recreate their home sleep environment.
Managing Expectations
The most important thing to remember is that this transition takes time. Initially, you might notice shorter naps or nap refusals as your child adjusts to sleeping in a new environment.
The good news is that children are quick learners. Watching their peers settle down for naps can encourage them to follow along. Most children adapt within a few weeks, although this timeframe can vary depending on your child’s temperament.
Even after they’ve settled, it’s common for nap patterns at daycare to differ from those at home. On days when naps are shorter or skipped, an early bedtime can help prevent overtiredness. On the other hand, if the centre allows longer-than-usual naps, you may need to shift bedtime later to maintain a balanced sleep routine.
Dealing with Separation Anxiety
This adjustment period can sometimes lead to separation anxiety, which may show up as bedtime protests, night wakings, or early rising. You can help your little one by providing extra one-on-one attention during the day and prioritising quality time on weekends or non-daycare days to strengthen your connection.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning to daycare is undoubtedly a big change, but with patience and the right support, both you and your little one will settle into this new chapter. Many children go on to thrive in daycare, enjoying the social and developmental benefits it brings.
If you’re preparing for daycare or finding the adjustment difficult, I offer a 30-minute Complimentary Sleep Assessment. Together, we can create a plan for managing daycare naps, adjusting bedtimes, and addressing separation anxiety to make this transition smoother for your family.
