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As you might know, D started in the daycare on the first of August and today actually, is my very first day at work after the maternity leave. Either way, we wanted to make the transition from a routine to another a bit smoother. As a small human being, going to the daycare is a HUGE change. Even if some kids don't show it outside, it's a big deal to them. So today, I am going to share our tips on preparing your toddler for the daycare, and how we tried our very best to make the transition go smoother.

Adjusting the toddler in the daycare routine
The place where D is going, they gave us a bunch of papers of which one included their basic daily routine. Nothing too specific, just the times when they are eating and having a nap. It was such a dramatic change for D's routine, so I decided we were going to want to practise the new routine ASAP so it wouldn't be too hard on him when he started in the daycare. So we basically went from two naps a day to one nap a day routine. We started this a few weeks ago and at home, he seemed to adjust to the new routine pretty well. It's too early to say how he's adjusted into this routine at the daycare but they haven't said anything yet. Well, he's been there for two days now. This is his third.

Say goodbyes to the crib
He's a big boy now. If you are following my Instagram, you might've noticed that D's bed went through some changes when we took one wall off from his crib. It was a big moment for all of us and for the first couple of nights I was all over the edge wondering what if he falls over to the floor. By doing this, you can practise at home the limits of your bed. They don't have cribs for the kids in the daycare, so all the kids are having their naps on toddler beds. So after D's leg got stuck in the crib wall, I decided that it's going. It's time.

The biggest issue for D was that he didn't know how to get out of his own bed and he was a bit scared of it at first but on the very first morning we had this "new" bed system, I woke up to him poking my face at 6AM. So I guess he figured it out.

Teach the basics
Okay, the childminder said that they are all practising this stuff at the daycare so they don't need to necessarily to be learned. Though, I like to take responsibility for raising my own children. Since the day D was born, I decided that there are a few things I want to see D is doing before he starts in the daycare (hence why I stayed at home with him for one and half years).

Those things were:
- Walking
- Clearly can show what he needs
- Knows a few words
- Can say "thank you" after eating
- Knows how to use the spoon and fork and put stuff in his mouth with them
- Gotten rid of the dummy

Dummy is still a work in progress, but all the rest; a piece of cake. I don't know why they were so important for me but I already feel bad for all the firsts I'm going to miss while I'm busy with work and school, so at least he's learnt something from me.

How have you prepared your children for the daycare? How did they handle the transition?