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Milestone Decision/6-12 Months/Education & Learning

How should I prepare my child for their first day at daycare or with a babysitter?

3876 moms shared how they navigated this decisionRight on time for 👦 6-12-months

3 approaches by moms

Gradual transition45% moms chose this path
Starting with half-days to slowly build your baby's comfort level.
Suits Moms who have flexible working hours or remaining annual leave to spare. You can expect some tears initially, but they usually settle within two weeks.
KN
Kamala N.. · Working mom · Baby at 8 months
We did half-days for a week before I started work. She still cried at drop-off, but the pengasuh said she calmed down quickly.
Cold turkey30% moms chose this path
Dropping them off for a full day right from the start.
Suits working Moms who cannot take extra time off and need immediate full-time childcare. The first few days are emotionally brutal, but babies adapt surprisingly fast.
SB
Suhaila B.. · First-time mom · Baby at 6 months
I had no leave left, so we just did a full day immediately. I cried in the car, but he adjusted by day three!
Familiarisation visits15% moms chose this path
Staying with your baby at the centre before leaving them alone.
Suits anxious Moms who want to observe how the caregivers interact with their child. It builds trust, though your baby might still protest when you finally leave.
PS
Pei San Y.. · Working mom · Baby at 10 months
I sat at the taska for two hours daily. It helped me trust the teachers, even though he still clung to my leg on Monday.

Expert guidance

Starting childcare often triggers temporary separation anxiety in infants. Parents can choose from gradual introductions, familiarisation visits, or immediate full-time starts based on leave. What matters most is maintaining a consistent, brief drop-off routine, as babies typically adapt within two weeks.

Official sources
JKM
MPA

Parenting decisions are personal, and every child is different. The information shared here includes real experiences from moms and guidance from expert and public sources, but should not replace professional medical or healthcare advice.

Not sure which is right for you?
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