Parentpedia

What Experts Say

When choosing daycare, look for a place where the childcare providers create a nurturing, safe environment, and where they can attend to your baby as an individual.

Start your search for a daycare by getting referrals from family and friends. Then give each promising daycare a visit, preferably while parents are dropping off or picking up their kids. Plan on spending at least an hour if you can. This will provide a great opportunity to ask them questions about their experiences with the daycare.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, you'll want to find out the following from the staff and from your own observations:

• the daycare's childcare philosophy and practices
• the level of staff training in areas such as CPR and first-aid certification
• the daycare's policies for caring for sick children
• the safety of the building and playground

While you're there, find out whether the daycare separates the babies from the bigger kids. Keeping the age groups separated will help keep toddler germs and illnesses from spreading to babies during this vulnerable development period.

Also, be sure to ask for all the information in writing. This will be a good gauge of whether the daycare stands behind what it's telling you.

Another important indicator of a quality daycare is its adult-to-child ratio. The ratio is set by each state, but according to "Touchpoints" by T. Berry Brazelton, pediatrician and child development expert, the ideal adult-to-child ratios are:

• one adult to three infants
• one adult to four toddlers
• one adult to six 3-year-olds

Find your state's adult-to-child ratios.

Remember, daycare is where your child will spend the most time outside of your home. Don't be shy about asking as many questions or paying as many visits as you need to make a decision that will give you peace of mind. If the daycare is reputable and proud of its staff and facility, it will welcome you.