Published September 5, 2025

Tips for Surviving (and Easing) Childcare Transitions

By the NAPS experts Emily Silver, NP-C, IBCLC and Jamie O'Day, RN, IBCLC

Heading back to work, starting daycare or switching to a new preschool can feel overwhelming — for both you and your child. And it’s normal to experience a mix of emotions. These feelings don’t mean you’re doing it wrong; they simply reflect that you’re navigating a major change. Like many aspects of parenting, the only way out is through.

At NAPS, we’ve helped hundreds of families transition smoothly during these pivotal moments. Here’s our guide to making this period a little easier for everyone involved.

Why It Feels So Hard (and Why That’s Okay)

Childcare transitions are not only about new schedules, new faces or new classrooms — they’re about emotions. For your little one, change can be unsettling. You may notice more clinginess at home, extra tears during drop-off or shifts in sleep and appetite. For you, emotions might look like guilt (“Am I leaving too soon?”), worry (“Will they nap at daycare?”) or sadness about spending less time together. Sometimes you’ll even feel excited for the structure or joy in seeing your child thrive in a new environment — and that’s just as normal, too.

Recognizing these emotions as part of the process can ease some of the pressure you may put on yourself. Emotions aren’t failures; they’re signals that something meaningful is happening. The more you give yourself permission to feel (and acknowledge your child’s feelings as valid), the smoother the transition becomes. When kids sense that their big feelings are met with patience and empathy, they learn that change, while challenging, can also be safe.

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Practice Makes Progress

The hardest part of any transition is often the unknown. That’s why easing into new childcare arrangements can help everyone (parents, children and caregivers) build confidence before the “real” routine begins.

With a Nanny

If you’re hiring a nanny, start with a shared day at home. Let your child see you and the nanny interacting together so they can begin building trust. Then, try leaving the house for a short errand, gradually working up to longer stretches apart. This allows your baby to learn that you’ll always come back, and it gives you practice in handing off care with peace of mind.

With Daycare or Preschool

For daycare or preschool, ask if trial visits are an option. Even an hour of playtime before the official first day can give your child a sense of familiarity with the environment. If you can, plan your first full week of work to begin mid-week — starting on a Wednesday or Thursday makes that first week shorter, giving everyone a softer landing.

The key here isn’t perfection; it’s exposure. Think of these early days as practice runs. Each small step builds familiarity, and familiarity breeds comfort.

Pack Smart (and Don’t Forget Yourself)

Logistics may not be glamorous, but being prepared can do wonders for your peace of mind. A simple checklist takes some of the mental load off your shoulders and helps you feel more in control when everything else feels new.

For your baby:

Introduce bottles well before the transition (ideally by 4 weeks old).
Stock up on diapers, wipes, ointments and extra clothes.
Pack comfort and care items: a nap mat, pacifiers, a sound machine, sunscreen, bibs and anything else your caregiver or center recommends.

For you:

Pump, power cord and cooler bag for transporting breast milk (if pumping).
Comfort reminders — photos or short videos of your baby to get you through the day.

Packing smart won’t erase the feelings that come with childcare transitions, but it does give you a sense of preparedness that makes the day-to-day adjustments feel a little easier.

Remember, Transitions Take Time

Even with the best preparation, transitions rarely click into place on day one. In fact, it usually takes about two to four weeks before new routines start to feel predictable. During this adjustment window, you might notice:

Naps are shorter than usual.
Bottle intake is inconsistent.
Drop-offs bring tears (sometimes from you, sometimes from your baby).

That’s all part of the process. It doesn’t mean the caregiver isn’t doing their job, or that your child isn’t adjusting. It simply means their little body and brain are getting used to new rhythms.

One of the best ways to ease this period is by giving caregivers a flexible version of your routine. Instead of rigid instructions, provide ranges: “She usually eats every 3–4 hours, takes 3–4 ounces per bottle and is awake for about 1–2 hours before needing a nap. Naps can be anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours.”

This kind of guidance offers clarity without pressure. It acknowledges that variability is expected and okay, which helps caregivers respond confidently and flexibly as your child adjusts.

Sleep: The Unsung Hero of Childcare Transitions

A new environment is exciting, stimulating and, let’s be honest, exhausting. Babies and toddlers may skip naps, take shorter naps or resist rest altogether in the first few weeks of childcare. While you can’t control how much sleep they get during the day, you can support them by leaning into earlier bedtimes at home.

Even moving bedtime up by 30 minutes can make a big difference. An earlier night gives your child the chance to catch up on rest and helps balance out the daytime sleep disruptions. Think of it as a buffer; one that helps your little one recharge so they can face another day of adjustment with more resilience.

Helping Your Child Feel Safe in Change

Transitions are not just physical — they’re deeply emotional, too. Children, even toddlers and preschoolers, feel the stress of separation and unfamiliar environments. But small, thoughtful strategies can help them feel secure:

Create a consistent goodbye ritual, whether it’s a hug, a high-five or a special phrase. This signals to your child that while you’re leaving, you’ll always come back.
Send them with a comfort object from home, like a small blanket, stuffed animal or family photo, to provide a sense of familiarity.
Talk about the day ahead in positive, age-appropriate terms so they know what to expect.

And don’t underestimate the power of celebrating bravery. Praise even the smallest steps, whether it’s walking into the classroom without tears or staying calm when meeting a new caregiver. These moments of reinforcement teach your child that new routines are not only manageable but can also be joyful.

Parents Need Nurturing, Too

Here’s the truth: supporting your child through a transition is a lot easier when you feel supported, too. Even a few minutes of self-care each day can help refill your emotional reserves. That might mean:

Taking a short walk.
Listening to a favorite podcast.
Journaling.
Savoring a quiet cup of coffee before the day begins.

It also helps to connect with other parents who are navigating similar changes. Share stories, trade tips and remind each other that you’re not alone in this. Don’t be afraid to lean on family, friends or professional resources when you need extra hands.

Small practices like this keep you grounded. And when you feel more centered, you’re better equipped to show up with patience and presence for your little one.

Knowing When To Call In Reinforcements

Some children adapt quickly, while others may need more time or guidance. Seek professional help if you notice:

Distress lasting beyond 4–6 weeks.
Major disruptions to sleep, appetite or behavior.
Anxiety interfering with daily life.

Pediatricians, lactation consultants and child development specialists can provide strategies tailored to your child’s needs and give reassurance during the adjustment period.

Surviving Childcare Transitions: FAQs

Still have questions? You’re not alone. We’ve rounded up some of the most common questions parents ask during this stage, along with expert-backed answers you can lean on:

How can I help my baby or toddler adjust if they’ve never been away from me before?

The first separation can feel overwhelming for both of you, so start small by stepping out of the room for short periods or leaving them with a grandparent, babysitter or friend while you run a quick errand. These little moments build your child’s confidence that you’ll return. Pair that with talking positively about childcare (mention their new teachers or friends they’ll meet) so they start to see it as an exciting adventure, not something scary.

How long does the adjustment period usually last?

Some kids adjust in just a few days, while others may take a few weeks to truly settle in. A good rule of thumb is to expect an adjustment window of about 1–3 weeks. But remember, new routines take time! Be patient with your child — and with yourself. If after a few weeks you’re still concerned, don’t hesitate to talk with their caregiver, who can share insights about how they’re doing once you’ve left.

Is it normal for my child to cry at drop-off even after a few weeks?

Absolutely. Drop-off tears are incredibly common, even for children who love their childcare. What often happens is that the crying stops shortly after you leave; they might just need a way to process the goodbye. The best thing you can do is keep your goodbye short, calm and reassuring. Over time, the tears usually become less frequent as your child learns that goodbyes always lead to reunions.

How can I support my child’s bond with their new caregiver?

Building trust with a new caregiver takes time, but you can help by showing your child that you trust and value the relationship. At home, talk about their teacher or caregiver in positive ways: “I bet Miss Sarah will love hearing about your block tower!” You can also share important details about your child’s routines, likes and dislikes with the caregiver, so they can create continuity between home and childcare.

What if my child refuses to eat or nap at daycare?

This is one of the most common concerns parents have, and it’s usually short-lived. New surroundings can make kids hesitant to eat or sleep the way they do at home. Give it some time — most children adjust once they get more comfortable. In the meantime, talk with the caregiver about how meals and naps go at home so they can try to replicate parts of your routine.

How should I handle regression in sleep, potty training or behavior during the transition?

Regression happens because your child is working hard to adjust to a big change. You might notice more clinginess, night waking or setbacks in potty training. As frustrating as it can feel, it’s actually a normal part of the process. The best approach is to stay consistent with your routines at home, while offering extra patience and comfort. The regression usually fades as they feel more secure.

How can I check in without making my child more anxious?

It’s natural to want updates, especially in the early days. Luckily, most childcare centers offer apps, texts or quick calls so you can check in during the day without disrupting your child’s routine. This gives you peace of mind while allowing your child to stay focused on their activities.

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Be Gentle With Yourself

Here’s something many parents forget: you’re going through a transition, too. It’s normal to second-guess yourself or wonder if you’re doing it “right.” But the truth is, there’s no one perfect way to navigate childcare transitions. There’s only the next right step for your family — and that’s enough.

Give yourself permission to feel the hard feelings and celebrate the small wins along the way. Each successful drop-off, each smoother bedtime, each smile at pickup — they all add up to progress. And if you need support planning the logistics or figuring out a rhythm that works for your baby, our NAPS team is always here to help.

Explore more resources for parents in The Feeding Room, and remember: You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.

The content on this site is for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Discuss any health or feeding concerns with your infant’s pediatrician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay it based on the content on this page.