How long for child to settle into daycare.

tmp-178865

Colton began daycare on March 17th.  The past few times we've picked him up they have told us how he hasn't had a very good day.  (crying, fussing, not eating much, drinking next to nothing). 

When we get him home, he is happy as a clam.  Eats, drinks, and is just all around in a jolly mood.

I chalked a few days up to him not feeling so great. (Teething and then caught a cold).  I'm not sure what I should do.  The first week he seemed to enjoy it but its been going downhill.  I don't want to be hasty and switch daycares but I'm trying to determine how long it will take him to adapt/adjust to this place/new people. 

How long did it take your DC to "enjoy" daycare.

Thanks

pghctwife

poor colty colt

tmp-820013437509176

M.J. is still adjusting and he started on March 11th, but he only goes two days a week.  He still crys when we drop him off, but stops a few minutes after we leave.  The first 3 weeks he refused to eat or drink also and I'm not sure if it was transitioning to daycare or because he was teething (incisors), he would come home with his shirts soaked from drooling and that was after they had changed his shirt once already.  Probably a combination to both.

We have been trying to get MJ onto the daycares schedule to make the transition easier for him and so far it seems to be helping.

How many days a week is he going?

DuffOliver

Obviously you have heard that Jillie didn't enjoy much of anything for a good long time. She started at 12 weeks, and she tolerated it, but she didn't start actively enjoying it until she made 'friends' and could really explore b/c she could get around, really. (Because up until that point, she wanted one on one attention and she fussed until she got it. There were days I picked her up and I could tell she'd put her teachers through the ringer.).

I know that some of the kids who started in her infant room older than 5-6 mos had an adjustment period. They are more aware of transition at that age. They have to get used to having other kids around and waiting a few more minutes to have their needs met - not in a bad or neglectful way, just an adjustment that everyone makes at some point, you know?

I would imagine if he won't take the bottles, that's making him crabby. But if there were any major issues going on there, I'd think he'd be stressed even after getting home and not sleeping at night.

tmp-178865

Colt goes 4 days a week, part time.  7:30 - 11:45

 

Sandy09579

After working in daycare I can tell you- some kids just don't like it and some never get used to it.  On average, most kids took a few weeks to adjust and settle into a routine.

Now, being a mom and seeing what my son was like, I'll tell you that if a child is generally happy, but has a lot of "bad" days at daycare...it could be that they are just not getting along w/ the provider. Anthony did not like one teacher in particular...and it showed.  We ran into her the other day and when I said "Do you remember Carianne?  He put his hand up and said "No Stop it!!" so, it's clearly a personality clash. 

We had one girl that screamed bloody murder from 7-12 every day anytime this one infant teacher was near her.  If we moved her to my room she was fine. 

Is it possible to ask for a different teacher and see how he does then?

 

tmp-178865

Can't ask for a different teacher.    There are two that work in the infant room. 

Sandy09579

Here is my suggestion.  If there are 2 in 1 room then ask if he seems to do better w/ one teacher then the other.

If they notice he does better w/ Teacher A than Teacher B...request that one be the primary.  Give bottles, diaper changes, etc.  

I've seen this done, and did it myself...you may worry about being "that parent" but it's important your child is happy.  

Of course "Teacher A" is going to be out sick or be out of the room for breaks or whatever...but if the main point of contact is w/ a teacher he preferes, he will be much happier.

Just a suggestion- it might not even be the problem. 

tmp-820013437509176

Like Sandy said, it could be that Colt doesn't like one of the teachers.  I sometimes think that M.J. doesn't like one of the teachers in the infant room, only because he cries when he sees her.  But, one day when I was dropping him off one of the directors came by and picked him up and was walking around with him and not a peep out of him.  I was shocked.  Like utterly shocked that he wasn't crying.

And it could be that it's just taking him longer to adjust.  We were forwarned that it will take M.J. longer to adjust because he only goes 2 days a week as opposed to 5 days.  And it definitely is taking him a long time to adjust.

DuffOliver

Maybe ask for some more info about what seems to make the fussiness happen? I'm sure that his not feeling well isn't helping, but he definitely has a lot going on developmentally and that could be shortening his fuse.

He's drinking fine when he's not there? In any case, that's not a huge amount of time for him to go without, and I imagine eventually he'll take the bottles. You know, know that I think about it, this is the age that Jillie started boycotting bottles and going for sippies.

RamaS718

My situation is a little different as DS started at about 12 wks.  However, when transitioned to the second infant room for the crawlers and walkers (at around age 10-11 months), he wouldn't eat at all.  His old teachers came in the room to feed him, and then transitioned him better that way.  He had no sleeping issues though.  And generally, all other transitions went relatively smoothly for him, usually doing it in one days as opposed to a few wks. 
I know w/my DS, he always is better at daycare, and saves all the crying/whining for me. 
I would say to give it at least one month before making a change in daycares.  I'm sure he just needs to get better adjusted to being away from you and being around other children. 

happygirl277

I have a feeling it is different for all babies.  I would give it another month before you switch.  At least try to, I am sure that it is so hard.  Especially is he has been sick and teething, it could take a while until he is feeling like himself.  When he gets home from daycare he is probably so happy to be in the comforts of his own home, kinda like us when we aren't feeling our best.  Hang in there momma!!!!!! :0)

tmp-178865

Thanks ladies.  I'm going to see what I can find out tomorrow morning.  (DH typically picks him up).  He is a very happy baby so this seems so out of the ordinary.  I'm also going to try to give it some more time to adjust.  I think he is probably spoiled with so much one-on-one attention when at home or with his grandmoms.