"Separation anxiety" is the term used to describe the discomfort and fears felt by parents and babies when not together. Dropping off infants at daycare may be distressing for both parents and children, depending on how the separation is managed. Parents who demonstrate anxiety upon separation will relay these emotions to the baby. This may present as resistance to saying goodbye, leaving the building or putting trust in the provider. There are some common fears that parents experience when leaving an infant in the care of someone else.
Safety
Ensuring that an infant is safe, secure and healthy in any daycare setting is a priority for parents. This includes knowing that staff members are qualified, the environment is free from hazards, other children do not present a threat and the baby's health is monitored. Keep in touch with caregivers, provide appropriate supplies including breast milk, formula or medications and communicate health concerns and needs---these can all help assure a concerned parent. Keeping your baby home when she is ill is the responsibility of all parents.
Development of Bad Habits
Enrolling an infant in daycare equals exposure to all different types of children. The baby will inevitably be in an environment with children who have different backgrounds and habits. Infants learn from other babies and toddlers and model behavior that is observed. A good teacher manages these peer interactions with gentle redirection, however bad habits are sure to be present in any daycare setting. Keeping in touch with what kids are exposed to and open communication about what is permitted and what is not allowed at home will help teachers intervene when necessary.
Abuse
Fearing the potential of abuse of daycare providers with power over children is an undeniable fear. Although rare, neglect, emotional, physical or even sexual abuse does happen in childcare communities. Knowledge of what to look for in potential perpetrators of abuse, warning signs in abused babies and awareness of who an infant has interactions with at daycare will keep parents informed and children protected from abuse.
