It can be overwhelming to know where to begin when starting to sit down to look at options. When first starting to look at daycares in your area, here are a few things to consider looking into before you book a visit:

• Location, how does it work for you? Close to home or close to work?
• Look for a daycare that offers diverse activities throughout the week. A good mix of play, learning, and physical activities can keep your child engaged and aid their overall development.
• Appropriately qualified teachers
• Music, physical activities (indoors & outdoors)
• A menu that works for your family
• Good ratings from other parents.
• Each State or province will have its own regulations and governing bodies; you can check your area for more details.
• If you want to select unregulated daycare providers, make yourself aware of the pros and cons: Parents are responsible for monitoring all aspects—including quality, health, and safety—and there is no public oversight (except when a complaint is made against a care provider).

Do they offer part-time or full-time options that work for you?

Your personal circumstance will determine whether you want full time or part time childcare, as well as what works best for your child. Make sure the daycare has the best options available for you, and whether you require flexibility within this.

Are there certain questions I should ask at my daycare visit?

Before your visit, have a checklist of all your questions ready. Think about your expectations for your child, what you’d like them to get out of daycare, and how the childcare works for your family and schedule. Here are a few good questions to begin:

• What is the ratio of children to educators?
• How many times do the children go outside during each day?
• What do you offer in your day? What is the ratio of free play/ naps/ structured activities?
• What are your drop-off/pick-up policies and times?
• What is your policy on what we need to provide – name labels? Diapers? Food?
• Do you share a weekly menu?
• Do all staff have pediatric first aid training?
• Will my child have a dedicated person looking after them?
• What is your sick policy?
• What is your payment policy? (do we pay for holidays? Can you pay by credit etc.)
• How do you communicate with parents?

What to look out for when visiting daycare facilities, what should a daycare look like?

The center should feel spacious, airy, colorful, and clean. Facilities to look out for should include:

• Outdoor play area (depending on where you live, check for shade and that the area can be used in all seasons etc.)
• Does the pick-up and drop-off area provide parking and easy access?
• Age-appropriate wash facilities
• A clean, well-labeled changing area
• Quiet area “cozy corner”
• Check where kids will sleep, and that the cots are clean
• Clean & safe kitchen, ask to see where food is prepared to ensure it’s clean and well labeled
• Plenty of toys, books, and role-play activities

What should I expect of the staff?

All staff should be friendly, approachable, well-qualified, and communicative. But overall, this is a gut feeling you’ll get during your visit. Remember that you’re leaving you’re leaving your baby or toddler with them, so you should have minimal hesitation about them.

How much communication should I expect to get from daycare?

As a parent, you’ll want to know exactly what’s happening at daycare. Ensure you understand how they will communicate with you, how often, and what information you’ll receive. This could include:

What did they eat that day? How many bottles were provided, and how much did they take?

• What did they eat that day? How many bottles were provided, and how much did they take?
• How long and how well they slept
• How many wet/ soiled diapers
• Any special activities they did
• Anything that made them upset that day
• Any bumps, bruises or accidents (especially as they start to walk, it’s inevitable)

Starting daycare is a big deal, and you have every right to get all questions answered. Any good daycare will be welcoming and excited to answer any questions, show you the facilities, and provide you with menus, policies, reviews, qualifications, and more.

Ask for references! 

Ask other parents in the area; they’ll happily provide honest opinions on daycare centers. Best of luck finding the perfect area for your little one; they’ll be spending a lot of their day there, so it must be a good fit. Once you find the perfect daycare, they’ll feel like family! 

The post What to Look for When Choosing a Daycare appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Why is it important to learn how to share? Sharing with family and friends can help your little one build stronger bonds within these relationships. There are a lot of things in life that sharing will be a part of, and learning these skills at a young age will help them in the long run.

Here is how to teach your kids to share:

 Talk about the positives of sharing!

• As a young child, it’s important for them to hear the benefits of learning a new skill. When they finally get to the age where they may start to share, typically around 2-3 years old, they will love to hear what good can come from sharing.

2. Show mom and dad sharing at home!

• You are truly their role model at this age, and they tend to want to imitate what they are consistently seeing around them. If they see you setting the example of consistently sharing things like the TV remote, a favorite toy of theirs etc. they might want to practice the same thing.

3. Use a timer to take turns!

• Putting a time limit in place may help them understand further the importance of sharing that specific toy or object they may be playing with. This can be helpful with a group of young friends to show them that their time is up and that it’s time to move the toy to the next child.

4. Show them that sharing isn’t always about toys or physical objects!

• It’s easy to teach your child to share in the toy room, but what about sharing in everyday life? Teach them ways people share things outside of the house like cars sharing the road, people at the grocery store sharing their time to help us. The possibilities are endless.

5. Play open-ended games that consistently require sharing!

• Games such as card games or open-ended board games can help your child communicate when it’s time to share. Having to say things like, “it’s my turn now” or “after that it is your turn” will require them to share while also explaining why it is necessary in the game.

6. Plan out future playdates!

• Setting up your child for success is so important, so if you are aware that your child may be having difficulties sharing – make it known to others that are going to be around them. Be open and honest with both your little one and their friends and family and continue to show praise when they do well in those situations.

7. Point out good sharing when you see it in group settings!

• Remember when we said earlier those toddlers tend to imitate everything we do? They will do the same with friends and peers when they are in a comfortable play setting. By praising the sharing of another child, it will help your child realize how great sharing can really be.

8. Try not to force it – it’s okay not to share sometimes!

• It’s totally normal for toddlers to be resistant to sharing, especially when it comes to certain prized possessions. It’s okay to teach your toddler that in some situations, we don’t always have to share. By helping them feel secure in this decision, it may help them make better decisions next time.

If you have more than one child and they’re often mixing up their stuff and fighting over which belongs to who, give the Split Name Label Pack a try, it’s a pack of name labels for two kids – they can label who owns what and it works wonders for curbing sibling rivalry!

9. Respect their favorite toys!

• Some children might have a favorite thing that makes it hard for them to share it in group settings. Have your child identify this item and allow them to put it aside when it comes to having playdates.

10. Make it fun!

• Kids respond best to FUN! Although sharing is an important life skill, it can also be a really fun one to learn. Play all the games, sing all the songs and just try to implement all types of sharing in your family’s day to day life.

While it is important to start these things young, your child will learn a lot about sharing as they get older as well. Things like daycare or group play settings will help them when it comes to learning to share amongst their peers. They will learn even more about sharing when it comes time to start school – things like taking turn on the swing set or waiting for their time at a certain Kindergarten station. Now let’s get sharing!

The post How to teach your kids to share appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Here are some unique ways to wean off a soother/pacifier, including a few ideas you haven’t tried!

Word of warning: it may not be fun.

When is the best time to wean off a pacifier/soother:

Sleep experts show that weaning between 6 – 9 months of age is the easiest time. Beyond that, the child may have developed an emotional attachment to the soother, which can make it harder to remove.

After the age of 2, watch for chewing. If your child starts chewing on their pacifier, it can be a safety hazard, and it’s time for it to go.

The American Association of Pediatrics says before age 4, so don’t panic, parents; you’ve likely still got time!

Before you get overly creative, try these basic, cold-turkey tips to wean off the soother first:

1. Start by reducing the amount of time your toddler spends with their soother. Limit the use of the soother to only certain times of the day, such as nap time or bedtime.
2. Distract your toddler with other activities that they enjoy. Encourage them to play with toys, read books, or engage in physical activities like running around.
3. Offer your toddler a replacement for their soother, such as a stuffed animal or a blanket. This can help them feel comforted without the need for a soother.
4. Offer other ways to help them soothe, especially at bedtime, rubbing their back, deep breathing, snuggles, and cuddles.
5. Cut off the tip of the soother or poke holes in it; without the ability to properly suck, it becomes much less appealing. They’re unlikely to know you’ve done anything to it, but they’ll just become less interested in using it.

Remember to be patient and understanding with your toddler. Weaning off a soother can be difficult, and your toddler may experience some resistance or tantrums. Be supportive and offer plenty of love and encouragement.

This all seems too easy, right? Often, parents need to resort to more unique ways to ease off the pacifier.

Here are some unique ways to wean off the soother:

The pacifier fairy:

The pacifier fairy visits overnight and removes all soothers/ pacifiers. In return they leave a special gift. For added touch, leave some glitter and a special note saying how proud they are of your little one being so brave and passing along the pacifier.

The Cake-pop plant:

This is a fun an unique way to trade-in the pacifier. Take the soother and plant it in the garden with your toddler. The next morning, take them to the garden and watch their astonishment as they discover the soother has grown into a cake pop!

Bye-bye balloon:

Let your child pick out a helium balloon at the store, then tie the pacifier to it and send it up into the air. The bonus of this one, is that they watch it disappear which leaves little confusion or question about whether it comes back.

Big-kid day:

The day they give up their pacifier, allow them to have a special day to do things they’ve never been able to do before. Maybe that’s riding on the lawn mower with dad, buying ice cream, watch a movie, or stay up a little bit later.

Mail it to a new baby:

Put the pacifier into a new box, wrap it up and “mail it away” to a new baby who needs it.

Toy store trade-in:

Take the pacifier or soother to the store and do a trade-in. Let your child choose a toy, and when they get to the cash register, they must “trade-in” their pacifier for the toy.

Tips for parents when giving up the pacifier:

-The earlier you wean off, the easier it will be. Studies show that between 6 – 9 months is ideal.
-Choose the right time, don’t do this during any time of transition (new baby, new daycare, or busy holidays, etc.). These times will be harder, as they’ll be more stressed and looking for comfort.
-Keep it positive, lots of reinforcement
-Validate their feelings; it will be hard.
-Stay strong; the more times you give in, the longer the process will be.
Mentally prepare yourself for some long nights and lots of tears.

Remember, the goal is to wean your toddler off their soother in a gentle and supportive way. If you choose to make it creative and fun, that’s great! If you choose to go cold turkey or slow and steady, it’s also cool! With patience, persistence, and support, you can help your toddler make the transition to a soother-free life.

Related:  Best pacifiers for babies who spit them out.

The post How to wean off a soother / pacifier, including a few ideas you haven’t tried!   appeared first on The Mabelhood.

However, there are ways to limit the spread of germs and keep your child healthy. Here are the easiest ways to limit daycare germs:

1. Keep Your Child Home When They’re Sick

When your little one is under the weather, it’s best to keep them at home instead of sending them to daycare. Not only will this ensure that other kids don’t catch the bug, but it will also help your child feel better faster. Remember to follow your daycare’s sick policy and keep your little one at home until they’re ready to get back at it.

Let’s face it – we’ve all been there. Sick days are a part of life, and they’re bound to happen, so have a backup plan in place. Whether it’s a work-from-home situation with your boss, a grandparent, or a friendly neighbor, make sure you have a go-to plan before starting daycare. You won’t be caught off guard when the sniffles strike.

2. Germs are inevitable – so stay positive

They’re Let’s face it: daycare germs are like glitter; once they get in, they’re hard to get rid of. But don’t worry, it’s not all bad news! Think of it this way: your child builds up their immune system and becomes a little germ-fighting ninja. So, instead of stressing about the inevitable, embrace it positively and let your child’s immune system do its job.

3. Label Your Kids Stuff to Prevent Germy Mix-ups

It’s simple: a name label for daycare can help prevent the spread of germs. In fact, most daycares mandate this! These magically little peel-and-stick labels can ensure your baby doesn’t get someone else’s pacifier in their mouth (gross!). You can rest assured knowing this will limit the spread of germs and ensure that your child isn’t drinking from someone else’s cup or bottle.

There are many other benefits to name labels: no more rooting around the lost & found bins or replacing costly items, name recognition for your little one, and helping put shoes on the right feet, to name a few!

4. Hand Washing for Toddlers – the easiest way to prevent germs!

Hand washing is an important habit that toddlers should start developing early on. Encouraging toddlers to wash their hands regularly can help prevent the spread of germs and illnesses. It’s essential to teach them how to use soap and water properly and to make sure they wash their hands before eating, after using the toilet, and after playing with toys or pets. By making hand washing a regular part of their routine, toddlers can learn to manage their own hygiene and stay healthy.

5. Speak With Your Family Doctor About Vaccinations

Vaccinations are an essential tool in the fight against germs. Speak with your doctor about this and get all the information you need to make an informed decision about vaccinations and keeping your child up-to-date.

6. Ways to Keep Your Child’s Immune System Strong

We all know that kids can be little germ magnets, but with a strong immune system, they can fend off those pesky bugs and stay healthy. To help boost your child’s immune system, make sure they get plenty of sleep, eat a balanced diet, and get enough exercise and fresh air. Encourage them to play outside and make it a family activity by going on nature walks or playing sports together – this will help them breathe better, sleep better, help their mental and physical health, and even improve their eyesight!

If you’re looking for other ways to support your child’s immune system, talk to your doctor about supplements or other natural remedies. And remember, laughter is the best medicine! So, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy all the little moments with your child.

7. Communicate with Your Childcare Provider

One of the most important things we can do is communicate with our daycare providers about any concerns or questions we may have. Don’t be afraid to ask about their cleaning procedures and sick policy – after all, we want our kids to be in good hands! By working together, we can ensure that our daycare centers are clean, safe, and full of smiles. Most daycares are very happy to speak about this, after all, it’s their health and safety at risk too so they’re just as invested in keeping everyone healthy as you are!

Remember, good hygiene habits, keeping your child home when they’re sick, hand washing, name labels, and keeping your child’s immune system strong, are all key steps in preventing the spread of germs and keeping your child healthy. The daycare germs can certainly feel overwhelming for new parents, it seems never-ending, so stay positive and remember that it’s all just a part of them building that healthy immune system!

Starting daycare and wondering where to begin? Check out this list of what to pack for daycare, and what comes back-and-forth each day.  

The post Minimize The Childcare Germs: Tips to Keep Your Little Ones Healthy and Happy appeared first on The Mabelhood.

The first step to keeping your child’s drinkware germ-free is to label it clearly, to avoid mix-ups at daycare, camp, sports and school. Once it comes home for washing and re-filling, try these tips to enhance the cleaning process.

Clean mold from Sippy Cups

When you invest in a new sippy cup for your toddler, you don’t want it to become damaged or unusable due to a washing blunder. So, don’t immediately throw away the outer packaging or the little insert that comes inside the cup — there is valuable information on there!

Read the “wash and care” instructions and follow them carefully. You can also visit the manufacturer’s website for product-specific guidelines and (in some cases) videos.

A few bonus tips for cleaning sippy cups:

• Take it apart as much as you can, separating the spout and/or valves from the lid.
• Often, the “cup” part is dishwasher safe in the top rack, while the lid and inner spout pieces can be placed in the cutlery tray.
• Hand washing in warm, soapy water is always a safe option. Be sure to rinse well.
• All pieces should be completely dry before re-assembling, since trapping moisture inside can contribute to mold growth.
• If you previously used a microwave sterilizer for your child’s baby bottles, it may also be compatible with sippy cups, especially if they’re the same brand.

Keeping mold out of Water Bottles

Today’s water bottles have spouts that pop, flip, click, and rotate, with elaborate systems of inner valves and seals. You definitely want to keep fungus and mold out of these hard-to-reach places.

Whatever brand you own, it’s worth two extra minutes to check the company’s website for relevant tips and information. A high-quality water bottle isn’t cheap to replace, so you’ll be protecting your investment as you maximize your disinfecting efforts.

Here are some extra tips for washing water bottles:

• Disassemble as many parts as possible, and wash separately.
• When hand washing, use a rounded bottle brush to get at the inner bottom part of the bottle. Rinse thoroughly.
• Scrub the outer bottom of the bottle vigorously, since it may have been set down on any number of germy surfaces, like a water fountain or bathroom floor.
• For deeper cleaning, fill the bottle halfway with white vinegar, then top up the rest of the way with warm water. Soak overnight, then wash and rinse well.
• If you want to take sanitizing to the next level, try bottle cleaning tablets. These fizzy little capsules take about 30 minutes and will give your water bottle a fresh start.

How to clean Reusable Straws

My kids are frequently on the road for sports, so we take a lot of “smoothies to go” in insulated travel mugs with a reusable straws. I won’t lie — it’s a pretty gross post-game task to wash out the gunk and fruity bits after the whole thing has been sitting in the car for a few hours.

These are my go-to cleaning strategies for reusable straws:

• Soak them in hot, soapy water for about 10 minutes, to loosen any residue before you attempt to clean them.
• Use a specially designed straw brush to clean the inside from each end, then rinse well. A pipe cleaner from your craft drawer will also work, in a pinch.
• If you find the bottle brush tedious, try these silicone straws that snap open for easier cleaning.

Mold in Water Toys

You may also want to use similar cleaning strategies on other items that come into contact with water, such as bath toys, water table components, or kiddie pool accessories.

As mentioned above, thoroughly cleaning and drying the items helps slow the growth of mold and bacteria. Pay extra attention to squeeze toys with a single tiny hole, since they don’t drain well and water can become trapped inside. Spray out as much water as possible after the bath or swim has ended.

Like any cleaning task, it all comes down to diligence and repetition. With clean drinking accessories, you can feel secure that your kids are getting hydration without contamination. Drink up!

The post Cleaning Tips & Mold Prevention for Kids’ Silicone Sippy Cups, Bottles and Toys appeared first on The Mabelhood.

It takes a few kids and late-night horror stories for most parents to learn that this kit is essential. So, do yourself a favor and prep your equipment today- before it’s too late and you’re scrambling to find Tylenol at 2 am. 

Here is a list of things you’ll want to keep in your sick-day kit:  

A storage bin- plastic with a lid, so you can stash it away and not be tempted to take from it when you don’t need to. You can also use a bucket (which can double as the barf bucket)

Medicine:  

Choose whichever brands work best for your family. Make sure to check expiration dates! 

•  Acetaminophen  
•  Cough lozenges and mixture
•  Box of tissues (or 2)
•  Masks 
•  Gloves  
•  Hand sanitizer 
•  New toothbrush   

 Misc.   

Have a stash of old and crappy towels, sheets pillowcases. They don’t need to be kept in the emergency kit but have them on hand if needed. This way, you always have enough spares and aren’t using your good stuff!  

• Clorox wipes or a small jug of bleach. I don’t usually use bleach, but it does make an appearance when someone is sick.
• Microban spray/ Lysol spray 

 Food:   

Because when a bug hits – it can hit fast! You may not have time to get to a store before you start wanting some of these items. Remember to check expiration dates and mark them in your calendar so you can use up/ switch out before you need the box!  

•  Gift card for pizza (for when you’re too exhausted to cook, you will thank yourself!)
•  Cans of soup 
•  A sleeve of saltine crackers 
•  Ginger ale 
•  Applesauce pouches (Because of BRAT)  

 For your Sanity:  

•  Movies (check out the Wal-Mart cheap bins after Christmas) 
•  Coloring books and crayons   
• Cheap toy the kids haven’t seen before (something new will brighten their spirits)
• A trashy magazine (because even if the celeb gossip is out of date, us mamas still need something to take our mind off the *&%$ show happening around us)

This might seem silly and over-prepared, and we all hope we never need it. But if and when you get sick, it’s a relief to grab the bin and have everything you need on hand. It makes you feel organized, less panicked, and like you can have a fighting chance to beat the bug! 

Of course, label your bin using your household labels. And make sure all your kids’ stuff gets labeled for school so we can avoid these germs coming home in the first place!

Are you starting daycare? You may want to read these tips to be prepared for the germs!

The post A Sick Day Survival Kit; Be Prepared for Cold and Flu Season. appeared first on The Mabelhood.

 A change of clothes

Your daycare may suggest you pack a change of clothes. We suggest packing two. Remember the changing weather, so while you may provide a spare onesie- great for a hot day, you’ll also need long sleeves. So, we suggest packing two spares, one for warmer weather and one for cooler—this way. Then, you know you’re always covered.  

Pack many more if your child is in the middle of potty training. 5 or 6 pairs of extra underwear and the same number of socks (because they always get wet too!) 

Bottles or drinking cups

Daycare will typically provide a detailed list of their bottle protocol. Usually, a sealed bottle which is appropriately labeled to avoid dangerous mix-ups. Here is a great informative list of how to prepare and label bottles for daycare. 

Formula or breastmilk

You will need to provide them to the daycare, and each daycare has its own rules on how to provide them. The key is making sure everything is properly labeled. Here is more information on how to label your bottles for daycare. Ask whether these items should come back home for cleaning daily, weekly or monthly.

Diapers, wipes, and cream

Check and see what your daycare will provide and what you’re responsible for providing. Then, if you have a preferred product, pack it. Especially when it comes to wipes and creams for babies with allergies- it’s really important to provide the products best for your baby’s skin and making sure they’re all labeled correctly is imperative. 

Medication

If a medication is prescribed by your baby’s doctor and will need to be administered while they are at daycare, you must talk this through with your daycare provider. They will have strict rules for this and often only administer medicine that a doctor has prescribed. 

If your child has a medical condition or allergy, ensure that your child has a medical plan with daycare before your first day.  

Pacifier

If applicable. It’s an excellent idea to put it on a strap and add a label to avoid getting lost, picked up, or mixed up with another baby.

Sunscreen/sun hat

Daycare will usually require you to apply sun cream in the morning, but it’s also important to provide it so they can reapply during the day and before heading outside. Make sure to label these too, especially important if your baby has sensitive skin, as you don’t want a rashy mix-up!

Coat & outdoor clothing; a back-and-forth item

Pretty self-explanatory. But if it’s a nice day and your baby isn’t wearing it on their way to daycare- it may be easy to forget. Once you assume, they don’t need it becomes more likely to rain. So while this may be an item you don’t pack and leave at daycare- you’ll still need to bring it and label it. 

Boots or outdoor shoes – a back-and-forth item

With wet weather, you must remember your indoor/outdoor shoes. Your daycare may require a change of shoes to ensure you’re not making the floor wet for all the babies crawling on it! Make sure your spare shoes are labeled. Depending on whether you want to purchase multiple shoes, this can be a back-and-forth item. 

Comfort items  

Ask about naptime and what’s provided, blankets, etc. You may want to pack additional lovies, blankets, or special comfort items. It can make naptime feel a little more like home. leave these items at daycare, and have duplicates, it’s too risky to forget a special item one day and have a sad baby at naptime. 

A Family Photo  

Some daycares request a family photo; it’s a nice little addition so baby or toddler to look at when they want to. 

You know your baby’s needs best, and you’ll be the best person to know what else they may need. Keep a daily list near the door helps on busy mornings (before you’ve had a coffee) to make sure none of the back-and-forth items have been missed. We also recommend leaving a pack of labels at the door. That way, if you have a new item or something that isn’t yet labeled- you can label it quickly and easily on your way out the door.

Here is the best selection of Daycare Labels. They’re your first defense against germs and ensure that all the stuff comes home again!

For daycare center’s looking for ways to keep germs out, check out our Fundraising Program where parents can purchase labels, and 20% commission goes back into the daycare center!

The post What to Pack for Daycare; And What Comes Back-And-Forth appeared first on The Mabelhood.

I was warned that the first 6 months of daycare would be challenging. The transitions are tough, the routine is new and the illnesses are rampant. While my son was thriving in this new environment, I had no idea how sick we would be for half a year. My otherwise healthy, happy, energetic one-year-old was dealing with a new illness every week – yes, week! And so were my husband and me. How to Survive the First 6 Months of Daycare During Cold and Flu Season.

My guy started daycare in September last year, just in time for the Winter germs to settle in for a long hibernation. We battled the usual suspects – cold after cold, virus after virus, and in my guy’s case, five ear infections in five months. Everything came with a fever, goop, coughing, rashes, and stuffiness. We got our first call for an early pick up on his third day. I had only been back to work for two and half days before I had to take time off.

I could deal with being sick. But when your little one is sick, they can’t be in daycare. This creates an emotional and logistical nightmare. If your little one is healthy and typical and is going to daycare or school for the first time, here’s my advice:

1. Remember, germs are good and viruses are normal.

I am not really a clean-freak mom. I think germs are good! Great, even! I read a book called Let Them Eat Dirt, which really made the case for germs in building microbes and a healthy system in those early years. Even my doctor reminded me that all of the viruses kids contract when they start daycare or school are normal. By all means, build those immunities. But you have to be prepared…

2. Keep it clean.

The usual tactics aren’t much of a safeguard, but do them anyway – handwashing, vitamins, flu shots, hand sanitizer (for parents), and making sure to label all the items that go to daycare with them. Colds are going to happen, but do what you can to minimize the transmission to protect others. Plus, there is some really nasty stuff out there that you can avoid with good habits.

3. Make a plan.

You’re going to have days where you kid can’t go to daycare or school. And that might mean you can’t go to work, or you have to call in the reinforcements. It’s always good to have a back up plan ready – do you have a grandparent or sitter than can be ‘on call’? Do you have any flexibility at work where you can shift hours, work from home or take time off when you need to? Can you and your partner take turns with a sick child? Have these conversations in advance so your plan is in place when you’re covered in vomit, going on no sleep and have a crying child in your arms. Yes, us parents have to sacrifice vacation time and pay sitters when we already pay for daycare. Yes, it’s unfair, and yes we will get through it.

4. Prepare for sleepless nights.

Flashback to those newborn days where you were up all night – and all day. A sick child can mean lots of late night crying and snuggles. Plus, they might be teething or transitioning at the same time, which doesn’t help. That means parents aren’t sleeping at night, plus you’re caring for a sick child all day while catching up on work. Remember that self-care is important or you will crash. Adrenaline can only go so far.

5. Know your health care options.

Make sure your Doctor’s phone number is handy, know their hours, and know your options for when your Doctor is not available. Do they have an on call service? Does your State or Province have a telephone service for health care questions? Where is the closest clinic? Which ER is best equipped for children? What’s the parking situation there? You might need to act fast in the case of illness and it’s good to have your options at your fingertips so you can make the best decision in the moment.

6. Be an advocate.

I truly believe that my health care providers know a lot more than me – the first-time, worried mom who just googled herself into an early grave. I trust them and I listen to them and they have been spot on. But if your child is not right, you know. If you think you were dismissed with a cold but you know it’s something more serious – push for more. If you don’t think you need antibiotics for a sniffle, do your due diligence. Go with your gut.

No one said that being a parent is easy, but I was not prepared for the extreme juggling act that came along with my sweet and precious bundle of germs. Like everything in parenthood, this too is a phase.

if you’re looking for how to label your stuff for daycare – here are some tips from the pros!

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The post How to Survive the First 6 Months of Daycare During Cold and Flu Season appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Prepare the night before. 

Don’t rush! Do as much as you can the night before; rushing kids overstimulates them and increases their stress hormones, which leads to tantrums. Be prepared the night before, so you’re not rushing your kids and creating a stressful morning for everyone.

Stick to a routine. 

Babies and toddlers do better when they know what to expect. Keeping a routine means knowing what steps are coming and feeling less anxious about what’s coming. So from the morning breakfast and dressing to getting in the car, keeping the sequence the same.

Keep it quick.  

Don’t linger! Even if your baby cries, shrieks, and reaches out for you with that desperate look in their eyes. Just keep walking, it feels painful, but it’s better for them in the long run. Your early childhood educators will often say they were fine within minutes of leaving. If you linger, you give them hope that maybe they don’t need to stay, but of course, they do- so you’re sending mixed messages which makes the goodbye harder.

Find a special ritual.

Have a drop-off ritual (hang jacket and bag, change shoes, hug, pass off to daycare worker, a quick kiss, and off you go).   

Don’t skip out 

Always make sure you say goodbye. It can be tempting (especially when you think you may cry!) to slip out without them noticing. Once they realize you’ve gone, they’ll be sad and left without any reassurance that you’ll be back. Always say goodbye and that you’ll be back later. 

Remember that babies, toddlers, and kids need time to process. They want to know what’s happening and what comes next. Routine and ritual reassure them that you’ll return like you did the day before. Keeping to a daycare morning routine with a confident and quick goodbye will allow everyone to ease into the transition quicker. 

Many early childhood educators also noted that the first week will be rough but usually gets better by the end of the week. The second week- that’s the worst, and it’s common. Once kids realize this is their new normal, they get sad about it again. But it passes, and soon you’ll be dropping them off, and they won’t even look back at you (and then you’ll cry again for a different reason, lol isn’t parenting fun!?)

Lastly, on the first day of drop-off, give yourself a few hours in the morning if you can. You’ll likely feel emotional (often wrought with guilt and happy about a small taste of freedom- which leads to more guilt for feeling that… and so on). So if you can have a few hours before heading to work- take your puffy eyes to the coffee shop and take some time to yourself to feel proud, reflect and gather yourself before starting work.  

 You got this, mama!

Oh…did we mention the daycare germs? That’s a whole thing- here are some tips to prep yourself!   
Plus, don’t forget to properly label your items for daycare! 

The post Tips for a Smooth Daycare Drop-Off: Short & Sweet appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Why Label for Daycare?

This is a question we used to get quite often at Mabel’s. Today, in post-pandemic life. We want to avoid germy mix-ups. This is, by far, the number one reason for labels. We know these days that a runny nose can lead to many days at home, and (after heading back to work especially) this is just feasible for many parents.  

Secondly, the daycare will require it.  And lastly, you’ve spent a lot of money on your kid’s items, and you don’t want them getting lost or going home to the wrong house.  

Why do I need to label the stuff I send to daycare?

1. Lost daycare items will cost you! 

When you’re considering packing for daycare, you are considering investing a lot of time and money into extra clothing, shoes, pacifiers, blankets, bottles, stuffies, diapers, wipes, and more. You want to ensure your baby has everything they’ll need to be comfortable when away from you. You also want to ensure that your child’s onesies don’t get mixed up with another’s and that the right stuffy gets tucked in with them at nap time. This can be a significant investment (on top of all your daycare costs), and replacing lost items adds up even faster. So, when daycare asks that you label your baby’s things, it’s not just to help them; it’s for your financial benefit, too!

2. Germy mix-ups lead to sick babies

It’s important to understand that labeling for daycare isn’t just about mixed-up and misplaced items. The past few years have taught us so much about the importance of keeping our kids safe and our childcare workers safe. They’re essential workers, and we must ensure they get a secure environment.    

Germs can cause a lot of stress to parents these days.

One of the moms’ biggest fears during the first few months of daycare is the new germs their kids are picking up. You went from experiencing very few colds to not knowing where one cold ends and the next one begins. Trying to avoid daycare germs feels like an exercise in futility, but as moms, we want to do everything we can to protect our little ones from being miserable with sniffles (a rash, a flu, or a stomach bug). Labeling is an easy way for the daycare provider to quickly look at and check the name on a pacifier or sippy cup before handing it to your baby. It’s the very first step in avoiding those unwanted germs. It’s simple and easy, yet crucial.

3. It’s a matter of safety for kids and staff

Name labels for baby bottles are essential to the daycare centers’ health and hygiene practices. This isn’t something you want to be negligent with. Babies and toddlers are highly susceptible to illness. It’s crucial as parents that you do your part to ensure that the daycare center can implement the policies and procedures needed to keep your child safe.

Here are a few things to consider when starting a daycare and labeling bottles:

• Consult with your daycare and ensure you make them aware that your child’s nutritional needs are being met. Double-check the procedure to ensure this happens (whether through breast milk, cow’s milk, or formula). This will help you decide if you need date-stamped labels or name labels for whatever nourishment you’re sending. Open communication is critical to the feeding procedure running safely and smoothly and will also help ease your mind.
• Most commonly, bottles must be labeled with name/date and time. The best baby bottle labels have your baby’s name and a spot to write and wipe off dates. Make sure to get ones that are dishwasher and sanitizer-safe! Those are precisely what your daycare center needs to ensure they’re adhering to their procedures on feeding your babies. Plus, it will make the process easier for you and more organized for everyone involved.

How to Label Common Daycare Items:

So, what do you need to label when packing your little one’s bag for daycare? The short answer: Everything that goes to daycare must have a label. Everything. To help you break it down, here’s a sample daycare packing list and some instructions on how you can keep everything identified:

• Diapers, Diaper Cream, and Wipes: Don’t worry, you don’t need to label individual diapers! The daycare will keep them in your child’s cubby or diaper bag (hence why that should be labeled). However, it is a good idea to put some identification on your wipes and diaper cream. You’re guaranteed the same ones as someone else in the center.

• Diaper Bag or Backpack: You’ll need to send a bag to hold all your child’s items in the daycare center. Attach a personalized tag to the loop or zipper so the center knows which cubby the bag should live in and always has a bag to corral your things.

Clothing:

• Extra Clothing: You’ll need to send a spare change of clothes in case of any accidents or spills. Invest in a set of children’s name labels for clothes (there are peel-and-stick or iron-on varieties available), and make sure that every item of clothing is labeled. It’s hard for a busy caregiver to distinguish whose sock or onesie is whose!
• Outerwear: Mitts are like socks; you’ll always end up with strays! Like your kid’s indoor spare clothes, washable clothing labels are the best way to label all clothing, including outdoor accessories like mittens and hats. There are peel-and-stick or iron-on varieties, and they’ll stay on through the washer and dryer, so you don’t have to keep re-labeling them repeatedly.
• Indoor Shoes: Believe it or not, shoes are easily lost in the busy in-and-out shuffle at daycare. Ensure the inside of your little one’s shoes are labeled so they don’t end up in the lost and found pile.

The crucial stuff:

• Pacifiers: Depending on the type of pacifier, you should be able to fit a small waterproof label on the front of it. Pacifiers differ so significantly that it’s difficult to say what will work best for your exact one. TIP: If you’re trying to label a silicone pacifier, no adhesive labels will stay on it, so you’d be better off attaching it to a pacifier clip and labeling that.
• Sippy Cups and Bottles: Sippy cups and bottles are some of the most commonly lost items, so labeling them is a priority. They’re also a big culprit of viruses spreading, so make sure whatever name label you stick to them is prominent and highly visible! A dishwasher-safe label or personalized silicone bottle band is critical for these items.
• Pumped Milk/Formula: Whether you’re sending breast milk or formula to childcare, your daycare will request that it be well-labeled. If you’re sending a recipe, don’t forget to label the container, lid, and even the little scoop (you don’t want it to go missing to avoid cross-contamination).

Head back to work feeling prepared.

In post-pandemic life, keeping a safe environment for staff, babies, and their families is more important than ever. It can be fearful, but with some organization and preparation, you can return to work feeling ready and excited.

Labeling your kid’s stuff is a simple and easy task that can significantly benefit how smoothly your daycare experience will go. With all the stress and anxiety surrounding your maternity leave ending, anything you can do to help with the organization will be beneficial.

The more organized you feel, the more you can ease your worries. Most importantly, above all that is good and labeled, go easy on yourself! Daycare drop-off is complicated, emotional, traumatizing, and an internal battle with yourself and your guilt. And remember, it’s okay to ugly cry. 

The post How to Label Your Stuff For Daycare appeared first on The Mabelhood.