• Visit the center with your baby to familiarize her with the environment. Introduce her to the caregivers. Get down on the floor with her and let her play with the toys and the other babies. Try to  join in with the routine (story time or snack time). Some babies may jump right in and others may hang back or cling to you. This is normal behavior. The idea is to build up trust and make her feel safe.
• Talk to the staff about your baby, for example, what he likes to do, successful ways of settling him to sleep, foods he likes and dislikes, etc.  Explain any fears or special needs (out of ear shot of the little one would be best).
• Try to keep the first couple of days shorter, for example until lunch time. This will give her a chance to bond with the caregivers, get to know some other children, become confident with the routine, and settle in.
• Play peek-a-boo games with your baby at home - this will help her to understand the concept of you leaving and then coming back again.
• It may help to let her take along her favorite blanket or cuddly toy. Some parents like to make an album or photo of baby's family to keep at daycare.
• Create a leaving routine. For example, give your baby a cuddle then hand them to a staff member, or sit down with her for a short play time or book reading together. When you are ready to go, tell her that you are leaving and that you will be back to pick her up at the end of the day. Give her a kiss and a hug and say good bye - then leave. NEVER sneak away from your child. Learning how to separate from a parent is an important skill. Your honesty will build your child's trust in you.
• Some children settle in quickly and others take a little longer. 
• When you pick her up, she will most likely be quite emotional - this is understandable - she has been away from you all day and now she is letting it all out with the person she feels the most safe with.
• Acknowledge your child's feeling about being away from you. These feelings are real. It is OK to say, "It's hard to be away from mommy. You miss me don't you?  I miss you too." Take time to examine your own feelings - if you feel comfortable with the center, your child will be too.
• Last of all, when you get home take a little time to just play (housework is highly overrated!). This will make the day care/home transition a smoother one.

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