Surviving Your Child's First Week of Daycare 2026

The first week of daycare is challenging for everyone. Knowing what to expect and having a plan makes this transition smoother for you and your child.

Before the First Day

The Night Before

Prepare by:

• Packing everything needed
• Laying out clothes
• Early bedtime
• Preparing easy breakfast
• Managing your emotions

Morning Preparation

Set up for success:

• Allow extra time
• Stay calm
• Positive attitude
• Simple breakfast
• Review routine

What to Bring

Essential items:

• Completed paperwork
• Extra clothes
• Diapers if needed
• Formula/breastmilk if applicable
• Comfort item
• Nap mat, if your center asks families to send one (see our daycare nap mat guide)
• A toddler-sized backpack with a top handle for the cubby hook (see our daycare backpack guide)

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Day by Day

Day One

Expect:

• Tears (yours and theirs)
• Quick goodbye best
• Teacher will take over
• Call to check in okay
• Pickup may be emotional

Day Two

May bring:

• Possible regression
• Harder or easier than day one
• Varies by child
• Continue consistent approach
• Brief goodbyes still

Day Three

Often:

• Some settling
• Routine beginning
• Still adjusting
• May have harder day
• Progress isn't linear

Day Four

Typically:

• More familiar
• Some comfort
• Routine developing
• Relationships building
• Continued adjustment

Day Five

End of week:

• First week milestone
• Celebrate accomplishment
• Rest on weekend
• Prepare for week two
• Progress made

Emotional Preparation

For Your Child

Help them by:

• Talking positively
• Reading books about daycare
• Visiting beforehand if possible
• Keeping routine
• Providing comfort items

For Yourself

Prepare emotionally:

• Acknowledge your feelings
• Connect with other parents
• Trust the process
• Have support
• Be gentle with yourself

It's Normal to Feel

Parents often feel:

• Guilt
• Sadness
• Worry
• Relief (and guilt about relief)
• Mixed emotions

Drop-Off Strategies

Keep It Brief

Best approach:

• Quick goodbye
• Confident manner
• Consistent routine
• Don't sneak away
• Trust teachers

Goodbye Ritual

Create:

• Simple routine
• Same every day
• One hug, one kiss
• Special words
• Confident walk away

After You Leave

Know that:

• Most children stop crying quickly
• Teachers will engage them
• They'll be okay
• You can call to check
• Trust the process

Pickup Strategies

End of Day

Expect:

• Possibly emotional child
• Relief to see you
• May act out after
• Tired and hungry
• Need connection time

Post-Daycare

Plan for:

• Quiet time together
• Simple dinner
• Early bedtime
• Extra cuddles
• Processing time

Common First Week Challenges

Tears at Drop-Off

Handle by:

• Brief goodbye
• Not lingering
• Trusting teachers
• Consistent routine
• Confidence projecting

Sleep Disruption

Address through:

• Earlier bedtime
• Extra rest
• Patience
• Consistent routine
• Understanding exhaustion

Behavior Changes

Normal to see:

• Clinginess at home
• More emotional
• Regression
• Tiredness
• Adjustment reactions

Illness

Be prepared:

• First exposure to germs
• May get sick first month
• Have backup care ready
• Stay home policies
• Build immunity

Tips for Success

Stay Positive

Children sense:

• Your confidence
• Your anxiety
• Your attitude
• Your trust level
• Your emotions

Communicate with Teachers

Ask:

• How was the day?
• Any concerns?
• What worked?
• What should we know?
• Progress updates

Trust the Process

Remember:

• Adjustment takes time
• Each day gets easier
• Teachers have experience
• Your child will adapt
• It will get better

Take Care of Yourself

During this time:

• Get support
• Rest when possible
• Be gentle with yourself
• Accept help
• Process your feelings

Signs Things Are Going Well

Positive Indicators

Look for:

• Decreasing tears
• Increasing comfort
• Talking about teachers/friends
• Engaging at daycare
• Settling into routine

Don't Worry About

Normal things:

• Some hard days
• Tears sometimes
• Tiredness
• Regression
• Ups and downs

When to Be Concerned

Red Flags

Contact program if:

• No improvement after weeks
• Extreme distress continues
• Behavior significantly changes
• Child seems afraid
• Something feels wrong

Getting Support

Resources:

• Program director
• Pediatrician
• Child development specialist
• Other parents
• Support groups

Weekend After First Week

Rest and Recover

Plan for:

• Low-key weekend
• Extra family time
• Routine maintenance
• Rest and recovery
• Connection focus

Prepare for Week Two

Get ready:

• Restock supplies
• Prepare clothes
• Maintain routine
• Positive mindset
• Continue strategies

Key Takeaways

First week is hard:

• For children
• For parents
• Emotions are normal
• It gets better
• Trust the process

Strategies that help:

• Brief goodbyes
• Consistent routine
• Positive attitude
• Communication
• Self-care

What to expect:

• Tears
• Adjustment
• Progress not linear
• Ups and downs
• Eventual settling

After first week:

• Rest and recover
• Continue routine
• Stay patient
• Communicate
• Celebrate progress

Remember:

• You're doing great
• Your child will adapt
• This is temporary
• It gets easier
• Trust yourself

The first week is just the beginning. With patience and consistency, both you and your child will adjust to this new normal.

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What every centre asks you to bring

Whatever else changes between programmes, the supply list barely does. These four turn up on nearly every one.

Best Nap Mat

Wildkin Nap Mat with Pillow and Blanket

Budget: Under $100

Mat, blanket and removable pillow in one roll, and it is machine washable, which is what decides whether a mat survives a year of daily use.

Check price on Amazon

Best Backpack

Skip Hop Sparks Kid's Backpack

Budget: Under $50

Sized for a preschooler rather than a school-age child, so it actually fits a classroom cubby.

Check price on Amazon

Best Lunch Box

Yumbox Original Leakproof Bento Lunch Box

Budget: Under $50

Leakproof compartments a small child can open unaided, which is the whole test for a daycare lunch.

Check price on Amazon

Best Labels

Name Bubbles Custom Name Labels (95 Labels)

Budget: Under $50

Ninety-five waterproof labels in six sizes. Every centre requires everything named, and this covers a full year.

Check price on Amazon