Key takeaways: Look for a licensed program with low child-to-staff ratios, written safe sleep and health policies, staff trained in infant CPR and first aid, and an open-door policy for parents. Check your state’s licensing website for inspection reports. Visit, ask questions, and trust your instincts.
Choosing childcare is a big decision. Safety should come first.
Licensing and Inspections
- Check that the program is licensed in your state.
- Look up inspection reports and violations on your state’s childcare licensing website.
- Ask about accreditation, such as NAEYC for centers or NAFCC for family childcare.
Ratios and Group Size
Caring for Our Children, the national health and safety standards, recommends for infants (birth to 12 months):
- 1 caregiver for every 3 infants.
- Maximum group size of 6.
State requirements vary.
Safe Sleep
- Written safe sleep policy following AAP guidelines.
- Babies placed on their backs in their own cribs with nothing in them.
- Staff check on sleeping babies.
Staff
- Background checks for all staff.
- Training in infant CPR, first aid, and safe sleep.
- Low staff turnover.
Health Policies
- Handwashing and diaper-changing procedures.
- Policies for sick children.
- Vaccine requirements for children and staff.
- Medication administration policies.
- Allergy plans.
Safety
- Secure entry and pick-up procedures.
- Safe, clean environment with childproofing.
- Emergency and evacuation plans.
- Safe outdoor play area.
Feeding
- Support for breastfeeding and storing breast milk.
- Safe bottle preparation.
- Responsive feeding.
Questions to Ask
- Can I visit anytime?
- How do you communicate with parents during the day?
- What happens if my baby gets hurt or sick?
The Bottom Line
Check licensing and inspections, ask about ratios, safe sleep, and training, visit in person, and trust your instincts.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics, American Public Health Association, National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education. Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards. https://nrckids.org/CFOC
- ChildCare.gov. Choosing child care. https://childcare.gov
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Choosing a childcare center. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
