Baby - Bizzie Mommy

Daycare marks a new beginning in your baby's life; you can actually consider it one of the milestones. Your baby will be exposed to what school feels like, socialize, make new friends, learn new things, and have lots of fun! But daycare can also be exhausting for babies. While some babies are flexible and transition into this new phase of daycare easily, some take time and don't sleep well during daycare naps, and tend to get tired easily. If you are a mom and wondering why your baby is exhausted after daycare, don't worry! This happens with most babies, as daycare affects their sleep schedule. There could be multiple reasons why your baby is exhausted after daycare. Here are a few: It's a new environment and they will need time to adjust A new routine, new people, and new everyday activity They are constantly active thanks to activities and playtime Their mind is always occupied They are learning new things Interacting with other babies for the first time Educational activities can be taxing as it is completely new to them Not sleeping well at daycare The daycare schedule is not what they are used to Emotionally tired as they are away from you for so long While there could be one or multiple reasons why your baby is exhausted after daycare, there are ways you can help them and yourself ease into this new schedule and routine. Why Is My Baby So Fussy After Daycare? Was your tiny tot extremely fussy and cranky when you went to pick him/her up? That's absolutely normal! Babies tend to get fussy after daycare because they are tired, sleepy, or emotional because they didn't see you all day. Daycare is a new beginning for them and, like any new thing or phase, babies will take their own sweet time to adjust. A Big ChangeAs adults, often we get jitters on our first day of work at a new place, so imagine putting a child in a completely new environment with other babies and adults who are strangers to them. It can be a lot for them to take at once!Your baby is used to being at home with just you and other family members around, so it can be difficult for them to be with so many other little people who are like them. Interacting with other babies can be a challenge for them, but babies are flexible and adapt so much faster than you can imagine. When going through a transition, children just need some time to figure out the new environment and learn from their experiences. Give them a few days to adjust and they might start loving going to daycare and seeing their friends! Disturbed Sleep ScheduleSome babies sleep better at daycare thanks to a schedule or routine that daycares follow. Daycare providers sometimes even have an infant or toddler room to help babies sleep better. However, some babies might find it difficult to fall asleep according to the daycare schedule. Less sleep or a disrupted nap schedule can make your baby fussy after daycare.Sometimes your baby may fall asleep on your drive home. This is because they probably didn't sleep well at daycare. A disturbed sleep schedule is common and it helps if you can make a few changes to their daily routine, like an earlier bedtime, or extend their nighttime sleep routine so that they are better rested. Emotionally Not ReadyIt's possible that your baby is not emotionally ready to be away from you for so long. This can make them extremely fussy when you go to pick them up at the end of the day. Throughout the day they might feel okay with the daycare teachers because they are busy learning and are constantly occupied, but the moment they see you, those suppressed emotions might come rushing and they might throw a tantrum, cry, and make a scene. But that's normal!What you can do is ease them into this daycare process by initially letting your family care for them when you are away. Keep the time intervals shorter initially, and then increase them steadily. This will give them time to get used to not having you around all the time and make the transition to daycare easier. Does Daycare Make Babies Tired? Yes, if your baby has just started daycare, it can be tiring for them. But once they get used to it, they will slip into a routine and will be looking forward to spending time there! During the first few weeks, everything will be new for your baby. The new environment, new schedule, and new people can be a little tiring for him or her. Also, some babies find it difficult to adjust to the daycare schedule. If the child naps in their room at home, if their daytime sleep is usually a short nap hugging their favorite blankie, or if they don't have a schedule and you let them take a nap when they want to, then they might find sticking to a schedule and taking a nap with all the other babies around a little too much. This new place and time can actually keep the baby awake and sometimes they don't nap well at daycare centers. If they are having a hard time falling asleep at daycare, then it's possible that they are tired at the end of the day. While daycare creates a safe and comforting space for babies to help them fall asleep easily, some babies might find it challenging. Short naps help babies rest and recharge their bodies, and if they are not sleeping well, it means you will be greeted by an exhausted baby at the end of the day. But it is nothing to worry about; your daycare provider understands that babies take time to adjust. They will make sure to guide new parents and help them ease their babies into this new place and schedule. One more thing to keep in mind is your baby's developmental level at the time of this new transition. Babies between seven and 24 months experience separation anxiety and might find this new transition a little difficult. This might also make them tired and exhausted. But what you need to understand as a parent is that it is absolutely normal! Most importantly, parents and daycare caregivers need to provide support, empathy, and patience. Give your baby time and you will soon see that they are slowly adjusting to this new routine. Does Daycare Damage Your Baby? Working parents are often riddled with the guilt of leaving their children at daycare. Society is not easy on mothers, and we are constantly judged no matter what we do. If you are a working mom, then the pressure is even more intense. You are criticized for putting your career before your child, although that is never the case. Every mom always puts her child first and just because you are working does not mean you do not care for your child. In fact, working mothers always work hard to maintain the balance and it can be tiring. If you are a working mom or just a mom who chooses to leave her child at daycare, don't feel guilty about it. Don't be too hard on yourself; you are doing the best for your baby, and putting them in daycare will not damage or disturb them in any way! Can Starting Daycare Cause Sleep Regression? Sleep regression happens every time there is a big change or stress in life. Starting daycare means both parents and babies can experience either of these two things and that's what leads to sleep regression. Simply put, sleep regression is very common for parents and babies who are starting daycare. Whether you are going to start daycare or are already going to daycare, what you need to remember is to be ready to face some sleep regression. Children need around three to four weeks to completely adjust to being at daycare. While some children may adjust faster, some might take longer. It depends on your baby's temperament, to some extent. All daycare teachers are trained to handle babies, no matter what age group they belong to or how they react to the new environment. They know that a rested baby means a happy baby. That's why they will always try to ensure that your baby gets enough rest and sleep during their time in daycare. If your baby shows signs of sleep regression, make sure you talk to your daycare teacher and find out how your baby is doing in terms of daycare naps. While some daycares have a strict schedule and fixed nap times, some are more flexible, so they may be able to let your baby sleep as per your schedule in the beginning to ease the transition. It's best to let your daycare provider know your baby's usual routine at the beginning and see if they are accommodating to your routine. Or maybe you can start transitioning your baby to the daycare schedule before you actually start daycare. Being prepared when it comes to babies always helps. Another thing you can do to help with sleep regression is sending a comfort item with your child—their favorite blankie, stuffed animal, or toy. This will help your baby nap more comfortably at daycare. At the end of the day, remember that you can't control everything. Despite the best efforts of you and your daycare provider, it's possible that your baby will take a while to adjust and go through a sleep regression. While some kids are able to adjust and nap well, other babies will probably never even cat-nap at daycare. How Long Did It Take For Your Baby To Adjust to Daycare? Every child is different, so while some children take around two to four weeks to adjust to the new environment and teachers, some might get adjusted very quickly. The transition can be super smooth or with some hiccups. As parents, you will have to be patient and understanding towards your baby and see what you can do to make this transition as easy as possible for them. Preparing your baby for daycare and its schedule can help your baby adjust faster. See if the daycare you choose has toddler rooms or other facilities in case your baby finds it difficult to sleep with other kids around. If your baby is exhausted after daycare, don't try to keep them awake forcibly, because an overtired baby might make nighttime sleep more difficult and even cause sleep regression. Instead, try an earlier bedtime routine or let them sleep as per their wish for a few weeks. Babies are smarter than we give them credit for; they know when they need rest and when they want to be up and playing. Once you fix a schedule, make sure you follow it every day, even on the weekends. Consistency is also the key to making the transition easier. Daycare Centers - Yay Or Nay? Definitely a yes! Taking the help of a daycare center if you are a working mom or a mom who just needs some time out every day is absolutely fine. Daycare centers are great places to prepare your baby for school, socialize with kids their own age, make friends, learn, and explore the outside world. It expands their world and makes them think, be active and so much more. Yes, it will require a shift in your parenting routine and take a while for you and your baby to adjust, but it will be fine at the end of the day. Young parents or first-time parents might find it more difficult in the beginning, but once you speak to your daycare providers and figure out a schedule to help your baby ease into the process, it will all be worth it. Just be patient and give your baby all the support they need in this new transition and remember not to fall into the guilt trap! You are doing the best for your baby.