Why is it the case that having a child exponentially increases the number of gifts you have to buy at the end of the year? Baby is the greatest gift of all, so it’s totally worth it, but it can be tough to come up with present ideas for all of the wonderful people they has brought into your life. If you’re looking for gift ideas for your favorite childcare worker, look no further.

Food

Everybody has a favorite treat. Chances are, your babysitter, nanny, or daycare instructor will melt over a gift of fudge, cookies, candy, or even a fancy fruit. Tack a little note from Baby on there, and you’re golden! This might also be a good opportunity to show them that you pay attention to their food preferences and allergies. If you want to go a little bigger with your gift, you could even take them out to a nice dinner or give them a gift card to their favorite restaurant.

Activities

Your childcare helper loves spending time with Baby of course, but they probably have a couple other favorite activities. You could encourage them to have a fun, relaxing day off with a gift card to a spa, a voucher for movie tickets, tickets to a show or concert, or passes to a park or museum.

Childcare accessories

Very few caretakers feel whole in the morning without a little bit of caffeine. For the childcare worker in your life, consider gifting a coffee mug, travel cup, or Starbucks gift card. Yes, it always comes back to the gift cards. If they have the keys to your home, you could give them a special #1 Babysitter keychain, leave a few of their favorite snacks or meals in your pantry, or some nice candles to light after a long day chasing your little one around. In fact, maybe pick up a few candles for yourself.

Personal touches

At the end of the day, the best gift is the one that shows how well you’ve come to know each other! Personal gifts that are tailored to their taste are always a good bet, and if you’re having trouble coming up with a personalized gift, you can always fall back on the biggest thing you have in common – Baby! You can collaborate with Baby to make them a special piece of art, give them a tote bag to stash some toys in, or frame a picture of your precious little one. Of course, in a pinch, bath salts and lotion are always a pretty safe bet. It’s the thought that counts, and look at you – you’re already thinking about it!

You’re a human, so you don’t have to worry about any worm-catching. But you will have to worry about childcare. And with multiples, the process of finding and securing childcare for your children could be a little more complicated and expensive than it would be if you had a single baby.

Consider the cost

Childcare can be expensive, so reducing the cost of childcare can make a big difference in your budget. Here are some ways that you can maybe lower the price tag of a daycare facility or nanny.

• Stagger work hours with a partner: If you or your partner’s work schedules are flexible enough, you could try having one partner go into work earlier than the other every day. This would leave one partner with the children for an hour in the morning, and one with them for an hour in the evening, which would cut out two hours that you would otherwise pay for.
• Ask close friends or family members for help: For some families this works as an alternative to daycare during working hours. You’ll still pay money for childcare, but the price would be much lower, and you would already have a relationship with the person caring for your little birdies.
• Pick and choose days of the week for childcare: If you have the opportunity, try to stay home with the kids a few days a week to cut the bill.

Option 1: A nanny

Nannies are great, as they can give your little ones more personal attention. You can also form a close relationship with them, which ultimately helps everybody. If you’re considering a nanny, start by looking on specific nanny sites or reaching out to other parenting resources. Interview any potential nanny to make sure they have experience with multiples, and check their references.

Will a nanny be cheaper than other options? This depends on several factors, the main one being where you live, as more populated areas tend to have higher expenses for nannies. However, you’ll definitely make sure that you get someone who’s experienced and familiar with multiples, and this could cost a little bit more than a parent with a single baby.

Option 2: A childcare facility

Bringing your multiples to a childcare facility might be a great choice for you. It puts more adults in charge of the kids, they’ll be around other children, which can reinforce lessons in communication and sharing, to name a few.

If you’re deciding on a childcare facility, consider the price and how far away the facility is from your house, as well as the facility’s licensure, the staff-to-children ratio, and how the facility itself looks.

Option 3: Family daycare

Family daycare is kind of like a mix between a nanny and a child care facility. Family daycares are run by those who have children of their own, usually out of their own house. Normally the person in charge will serve snacks and meals and provide toys and games for the children to use. Family daycare often costs less than a childcare center, which makes it a good option for many parents.

If you’re considering bringing the multiples to a family daycare, make sure that the potential provider has experience with multiples, is fully licensed, and meets any other personal requirements that you have.

Should you keep the kids together?

As the children get older, you might start thinking about separating them in class or other activities, to help them develop a sense of independence, but you don’t have to worry about that right now, or even for a couple of years. What’s most important is that you find something that’s a good fit for you and your family, in terms of convenience, affordability, and comfort.

If you’re still undecided on the best option, consider reaching out to other parents of multiples to find out how they tackle the childcare subject. In time you’ll find the solution that works best for you and your family.

Daycares are the perfect setting for many small illnesses to grow big and strong for a number of reasons. First, daycares are based around many children staying in close proximity to each other throughout the day, which makes it almost impossible to keep illnesses from spreading. Germs can be spread through something as simple as a toddler touching a contaminated toy then wiping their nose, which is why parents of children in daycare may feel like life is a never ending cycle of runny noses and coughs.

Toddlers also have immature immune systems, which makes them more likely to pick up any illnesses they’re exposed to. As a result, when one child comes down with a bug, there is a very good chance that it will spread throughout their entire class.

Here’s the lowdown on common daycare illnesses, and how you can help reduce the risk of your child becoming sick.

• The common cold: Colds can be expected many times a year for all children, whether in a daycare setting or not. Symptoms include congestion, coughing, a sore throat, and a mild fever. Colds generally run their course at home and can be treated with rest and fluids, but if you’re concerned that a cold isn’t getting better or is developing into another illness, don’t hesitate to contact your child’s doctor.
• Influenza and COVID-19: Both the flu and Covid are viruses that can cause a range of symptoms, notably fever and cough. While many cases are mild, the chances of severe illness can be reduced significantly by annual vaccination for the whole family. Fortunately, tests are available for both the flu and Covid, and you can even test for Covid right at home!
• RSV: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a viral illness that affects the lungs. Its symptoms typically mirror the common cold and tend to be minor. However, RSV can be serious, and in children with heart or lung diseases and those with compromised immune systems, complications are more likely. Severe coughing and fast or troubled breathing can be signs of RSV. If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to get medical support right away. There is now preventive treatment for RSV babies and high-risk children through your pediatric provider.
• Gastroenteritis: Also known as the stomach bug, gastroenteritis brings on vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Be sure to keep your child hydrated during gastroenteritis with water or with a drink fortified with electrolytes. When ready to start eating again, it’s no longer recommended to offer the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) since the nutritional content of these foods is too limited. Instead, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends slowly transitioning back to Baby’s normal eating patterns. Gastroenteritis typically clears within a few days to a week, but if it comes with a high fever or you’re concerned about dehydration, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician.
• Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis, or “pinkeye,” is an inflammation of the tissue lining the eyelids. Telltale signs of this infection are redness and discharge around the eyes and crusty eyes. Conjunctivitis can be treated with eye drops, and your child shouldn’t return to daycare until at least 24 hours after treatment has begun.
• Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease: This highly contagious illness peaks during the summer and fall. Telltale signs include sores in the mouth and throat, often accompanied by red blisters on the hands and feet.  Symptoms can last 7 to 10 days. Be sure your child stays hydrated, as the pain from the sores can cause children to resist eating or drinking. You can ease symptoms through the use of over-the-counter pain relievers.

Preventing Sickness 

Children are bound to get sick, but you can take measures to reduce your child’s chances of becoming ill. When choosing a daycare, look for the smallest setting possible, and be sure the facility practices frequent sanitizing throughout the day. Ask about the daycare’s sickness policy and what their practice is for caring for children who become sick while in their care. Staying up-to-date on your child’s immunizations, making sure to offer nutritious foods, and getting plenty of rest will boost the chances of fighting off germs. Seeing your child get sick is hard, but fortunately, most viruses transmitted in childcare settings resolve on their own with some extra TLC.

Sources

• Catherine A. Churgay, Zahra Aftab. “Gastorenteritis in Children: Part II Prevention and Management.” American Family Physician. 85(11):1066-1070. Web. June 2012.
• “Diarrhea in infants.” MedlinePlus. National Library of Medicine, July 7 2016. Web.
• “Information for schools and chidcare providers.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, May 25 2016. Web.

Rochaun Meadows-FernandezFreelance writer, author, and activist

I can remember the first time I left my son with a sitter. I wanted picture messages at 30-minute intervals and regular updates. I said it was to see how he was adjusting, but we all know it was all about me. Those updates made our first movie date after my son was born suck pretty bad, but it made me a lot more comfortable as a mother.

Leaving your baby for the first time is terrifying. It’s even scarier when they’s being left with someone and you’re unsure if they know what they need to do. You’ll feel more comfortable if you know for sure that you and your babysitter are on the same page. Here are three things to be sure you discuss with your sitter.

Food

As parents, we know that there are some things you just don’t want your kids to eat. For example, I learned the hard way that my son does not need to have a lemonade under any circumstances. Why? Because he gets hyper and will do cartwheels and flips across the floor. Also, I learned the hard way that he doesn’t need to eat cranberries because they go straight through him and he will be pooping for days.

It’s vital that we let our babysitters know these preferences and necessities in our children’s diets. You can alleviate some of that pressure by providing a list or preparing the meals in advance. It might save you a bunch of time or a headache later.

Discipline

Let’s face it. Kids act up sometimes. If I’m completely honest with myself, I’m not too firm on discipline. As parents, we use discernment about when we do and don’t want to discipline our children. But when a babysitter is there it’s important that you have specific expectations in place.

How comfortable are you with someone else correcting your child? Or do you just let them be free and live life on the wild side? All of these things are important to discuss ahead of time, so the sitter knows what you expect when things get tough. Make sure that the child care provider you hire has the patience to deal with your child’s energy level. Kids can be a handful, and not everyone is going to be a good fit.

Emergency procedures

Imagine this: There you are, enjoying your hot date with your partner, and you get a text from your sitter that says your child is swollen red and scratching themselves all over. Of course, you want a sitter that informs you of what’s going on at the house. But you also need a sitter who is mature enough and experienced enough to know what to do in these situations.

Most times things will be fine, but if they aren’t, you want a plan in place. Discuss allergies, potential risks, and home hazards with your sitter. Set a clear expectation for when you want to be contacted during an emergency.

It’s scary leaving your child with a sitter for the first time, but it’s typically worth it. We all need some time away from home. This isn’t an all-inclusive list – there are many things to discuss with your sitter, but hopefully the above provides a stable baseline for where to start the discussion of the things your sitter needs to know.

About the author:
Rochaun Meadows-Fernandez is a writer who specializes in sociology, health, and parenting. Her work has appeared in Healthline, Yes! Magazine, HuffPost, Allure, and many other publications. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter or check out her website.

A little one’s experience in a daycare center will have a long-term impact on their intellectual, emotional, and physical development and this can be a great thing, with a great daycare center. But it’s also why it’s so important for parents to keep an eye out for daycare centers that just aren’t working out. Fortunately, there are generally signs of daycares that might not be right for your family.

Lack of license

Depending on where you live, you may be able to look up daycare centers in your area that have had their licenses suspended or revoked. While some smaller, home-daycare centers or daycare centers associated with religious organizations may not need to obtain licenses in some states, their license status can still be helpful information. If a center has its license suspended or has had its license suspended in the past, you may want to approach it with skepticism.  

High child-to-staff ratio

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the child-to-staff ratio for a toddler should be as follows:

• Up to 12 months: 3:1
• 13 to 35 months: 4:1
• 3-year-olds: 7:1

An adequate child-to-staff ratio means that the individual needs of the children are met. This is especially crucial for toddlers whose need for attention and guidance is higher than it is for older children.

Unhygienic area

The risk of infection in daycare is high. It is not uncommon for a child to contract skin problems or experience diarrheal episodes from a daycare center. An excellent center keeps the area clean, and spots that are potential breeding grounds for germs, like restrooms and areas where children eat, sanitized.

Unqualified staff

Check if the staff have the necessary credentials such as the Child Development Associate Credential or the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation. These credentials are the gold standards for a day care center staff’s expertise when it comes to child care and development. It’s also a good idea to be wary of staff that seem rude or indifferent. Anyone can have a bad day, but since these are the people who are going to be taking care of your little one, and who are going to have a big impact on them as they grows, so don’t be afraid to go with your gut!

Extra fees

The exact amount that you should pay for should be clearly explained to you or stated on a contract before you enroll your child. There should never be extra fees or hidden charges after the fact.

Punishment

Ask about the discipline policy of the program. There are a few different ways daycare centers can choose to introduce discipline, and you’ll want to find one that lines up with your views. More than that, it may be a red flag for a daycare center to start talking about discipline with children who are too young to really start to understand boundaries.

No or limited visiting policy

Take heed of day care centers that forbid or set too many limits on when parents can visit their child during the day. Parents have the right to check on their children from time to time to ensure that they are getting the right treatment and care.

A day care center is not just a place for kids to stay when the parents are busy working or a place where they can learn how to socialize. The values of the center where Baby spends their time should coincide with yours, and it’s alright to be extra cautious when choosing one, and deciding whether the one you’ve chosen is the right fit.

Sources

• David G. Addiss, et al. “The Compliance of Licensed U.S. Child Care Centers with National Health and Safety Standards.” American Journal of Public Health. 84(7): 1161-1164. July 1994. Retrieved November 2 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1614735/pdf/amjph00458-0107.pdf.
• J. Olaitan, O. Adeleke. “Bacteria In Day Care Environment.” Internet Journal of Microbiology. 3(1). http://ispub.com/IJMB/3/1/6808.
• “Choosing a Childcare Center.” HealthyChildren. American Academy of Pediatrics, November 21 2015. Retrieved November 2 2017. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/work-play/Pages/Choosing-a-Childcare-Center.aspx. 

Choosing the right child care center for you

No matter what, the place that you pick is going to become an important part of Baby’s early development, and we understand that you want to pick the right one.

Things to look for

1. Licensing: This may seem like an obvious one, but not all legitimate and legal childcare centers are licensed, since some states do not require licensing from child care centers operated by religious institutions. This doesn’t necessarily mean that these daycares wouldn’t be perfectly good choices! All it means is that these institutions aren’t required to follow state licensing standards for, among other things, staff training and qualification, so if you’re considering one of these institutions, it’s important to check out the issues that are important to you.
   In fact, because licensing standards are set on a state by state basis, it’s important to check what your state’s child care licensing requirements are, as it’s entirely possible that you will, say, want a professional with more qualifications, or a facility with better safety standards, than the minimum the state requires.
2. Child to adult ratio: Especially for infant care, small group sizes and a high ratio of adults to children are important for making Baby’s childcare experience a positive one. One caregiver to three infants is a good number, and is, in fact, the legal limit in several states.
   Especially when Baby is this still young, in addition to finding the right ratio, it’s also good if Baby is assigned to one specific caregiver, whom they will be able to grow used to and connect with – someone who will get to know them well enough to know if they is acting out of the ordinary or if anything is wrong.
3. Consistency: Ask the person running the center what the staff turnover there looks like. If possible, you want Baby to be somewhere that they can get used to the staff and the routine so they can feel comfortable and secure.
4. Policies: If you’re planning on keeping Baby in the same center as they grows up, check in to see if the center’s policies on topics like discipline methods for misbehavior line up with your own. If, for instance, you’re not planning on using time-outs at home, but that is the policy at Baby’s daycare, that may factor into your decision.

Sources

• “How to Choose Quality Childcare.” Zero to Three. ZERO TO THREE: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families, February 8 2010. Web.
• “We Can Do Better: 2013 Update.” ChildCare Aware of America. CCAoA. Web.
• “What You Do and Don’t Want to See in an Infant Program.” naeyc for families. National Association for the Education of Young Children. Web.

Rochaun Meadows-FernandezFreelance writer, author, and activist

From the moment I found out I was pregnant, others inquired about my plans for returning to work – or more accurately, if my baby would attend public childcare. “Whatever you do, don’t put him in daycare until you can’t avoid it,” was something I would often hear.

And no one hesitated to provide reasons to avoid it. For some people, it was the importance of the bond between a mother and child; they felt that my son had needs only mom could fill. For others, it was a fear of running into a daycare horror story like the mishaps we hear in the news – that one terrified me as well. But most people were concerned with the cost. Cuz daycare ain’t cheap.

All of these things made me reluctant to let others watch my child. Thankfully, when I choose to work, I could either take opposite shifts from my husband or find an acquaintance to provide childcare while I worked limited hours. But as time passed, those available friends got busy, and the jobs became less accommodating. Upon finding a career I could work from home, I accepted that daycare would never work for us. All of that changed when an acquaintance of mine posted that her daughter’s daycare had an opening.

I wasn’t looking for a provider, but I contacted them, decided to visit. After hearing references, I was sold, and that day changed my life. Below are a few brief ways that putting my son in daycare has made me a better mother.

I value our time more

Daycare has allowed me to make better use of the time I have with my son. While he is at daycare, I can focus on whatever my task at hand is. When my son is home, it’s easier for me to take a break knowing I completed my workload.

I appreciate my son more

Before, there were times when I saw him as the obstacle standing between me and whatever I was trying to complete. But now that he goes to daycare a few times a week, I miss him. It’s a weird feeling not having him with me constantly, but I couldn’t help but notice how it has affected my patience and our quality time for the better.

I can prioritize self-care

Now, I have little to no excuse not to take quick walks, run errands or get my hair done. Before, I would often feel stressed about having to manage those things with a sleepy or grumpy baby present. Now that I have a little bit of time each week that I know is available it is a lot easier to schedule my appointments both for work and for leisure. I have joined a gym and have been able to exercise multiple times a week for the first time ever.

But the biggest pros are those that he gets from attending. Through daycare, he gets time to interact with other children. As an only child, this is a pretty huge benefit. The decision of whether or not to put your child in daycare is a personal one. I do not know if I will have my son in daycare until he starts school. But I do know that for now, this has helped me to maximize my time as a working mother along with improving the way that I interact with my son.

About the author: 
Rochaun Meadows-Fernandez is a writer who specializes in sociology, health, and parenting. Her work has appeared in Healthline, Yes! Magazine, HuffPost, Allure, and many other publications. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter or check out her website.

If Baby struggles to be left with the sitter while you walk out the front door, there are ways to make the transition easier for everyone involved. Different things work for different people, but if you’re not sure where to start, the following tips are parent-tested and approved.

Don’t make it seem like a big deal

It’s important to keep in mind that Baby can sense when you’re nervous, which will probably cause them to feel nervous and afraid. Stay calm and upbeat; try to project an air of confidence, even if deep down, you’re dreading the possibility of a crying toddler.

Avoid the hand-off

While it’s beautiful in its symbolism, physically handing Baby to the babysitter is very likely to freak your toddler out and make them cry. Instead, try putting Baby down in a neutral place, and wait a moment while they and the sitter get better acquainted, to make the transition less jarring.

Distract and detach

Whether it’s a new toy, a movie, or a snack, try to say goodbye and leave when Baby is focused on something else. This isn’t to say that you should sneak out without a goodbye (that’s not a great way to go, either, and can lead to them being even clingier next time around), but a little distraction is a good thing. You can also talk to Baby about all the fun things that they gets to do with the babysitter while you’re away.

Don’t question your bond!

Lots of great parents worry that the act of leaving – especially when a toddler appears upset – can hurt the relationship they’ve been working to build with their child. Fortunately, experts say this isn’t the case, so don’t stress yourself out worrying whether Baby will think of you less, or feel less attached to you in the future. It’s just not happening!

Think big picture

It’s easier said than done, but remember: while leaving is difficult, Baby will most likely spring right back to normal a few minutes after your departure. Yes, it can be emotionally taxing to go through a drawn-out departure at the beginning of the night, but those difficult initial moments aren’t the whole picture of either of your nights. How Baby acts when you’re leaving is less important than how they acts when you’ve been gone for a little while.

If possible, prepare in advance

In the future, try to familiarize Baby with separation by leaving them with a trusted parent or parent-in-law of yours. Grandparents are usually game to watch their grandchild, and it will help make Baby more comfortable with being watched by someone else. When you decide on a babysitter, spend a little time with them and Baby to see how the two get along. Then start leaving them alone together in small increments of time. You can leave for five minutes, fifteen minutes, an hour – practice makes perfect!

The bottom line on leaving Baby with the sitter

Knowing your child’s temperament will help you decide what strategies work best for the nights that you leave Baby with a babysitter. The whole process gets easier with time, and in the long run, helping Baby get more comfortable with being left with a babysitter will ready them for things like daycare, preschool, or kindergarten. Plus, don’t forget that you deserve some time to yourself!

Sources

• “Traveling Without Your Child.” KidsHealth. The Nemours Foundation, Jun 2014. Web.
• “Leaving a Child Alone with a Babysitter.” NYC. City of New York, 2016. Web.