Parent guides

Your Baby's First Days in Child Care: What to Bring and Expect

September 8, 2026 · Parent guides

Your baby's first days in child care go best when the caregivers know your baby's schedule before day one, the bag is packed with labelled essentials, and you get a clear record of the day at pick-up.

Nana in the infant room with cribs — Your Baby's First Days in Child Care: What to Bring and Expect

Share your baby's schedule

Nanas lobby and parent waiting area — Share your baby's schedule
In practice

Write down when your baby usually eats and naps, and how they like to be settled. A good infant room follows each baby's own schedule rather than one group clock — at Nana's, each baby keeps their own feeding and napping schedule.

What to bring

Ask whether formula and baby food are supplied; at Nana's they are supplied by the center.

  • ✓Labelled bottles
  • ✓Diapers, wipes and cream
  • ✓Spare clothes
Nanas covered play yard at the glendale building — What to bring

Expect a daily record

Nana in the preschool classroom — Expect a daily record

Ask how you will hear about the day. At Nana's, a daily record of mealtimes, diaper changes and naps goes home with you.

Look after yourself too

Nanas front desk where parents check in — Look after yourself too
Nana in the play yard — Look after yourself too
Nanas own vans for school transportation — Look after yourself too

The first drop-offs are often harder on parents than on babies. Plan an easy first week if you can, and call the centre if you want to check in.

The first goodbye

Keep the first goodbye short and warm. Hand your baby to the caregiver, say goodbye, and leave. Lingering often makes it harder for both of you.

Nanas shaded play yard with trikes and turf — The first goodbye

Questions to ask the infant room

  • ✓How will I know how my baby's day went?
  • ✓Who supplies formula and baby food?
  • ✓What should I label?
  • ✓Can I call during the day?
Nanas preschool classroom children smiling — Questions to ask the infant room

Questions for your pediatrician

For anything about your baby's health, feeding changes or sleep, ask your pediatrician and pass the advice on to the infant-room staff. Read about infant care in Glendale.

infant care in Glendale →

Frequently asked questions

How young can a baby start child care at Nana's?

From 6 weeks old.

Come see it at the hour you need it.

Call either building, or visit at the time you would really drop off. Se habla español.

Peoria · (623) 931-5015 Northern · (623) 435-2211