How to Prepare Your Child for Daycare

Starting daycare is a big milestone for your whole family. Whether your baby is six weeks old or your toddler is heading into early childhood education for the first time, knowing how to prepare for daycare can make all the difference. The good news is that a little planning in the weeks leading up to the first day goes a long way.

Preparing your child for child care involves establishing the centre’s routine at home, labelling all belongings, and managing separation anxiety through positive reinforcement. Key steps include visiting the childcare centre beforehand so your child can become familiar with their new environment and educators, packing essentials like a change of clothes and a comfort item, and keeping goodbyes short and consistent to help your child settle. At Cuddles Early Learning & Childcare, we’ve supported thousands of Perth families through this transition, and these simple tips will help you and your child feel confident and ready.

The best time to start preparing is two to three weeks before the first day at daycare. This gives you and your child enough time to adjust without feeling rushed.

Begin by attending orientation sessions at your chosen early learning centre. Most children benefit from visiting the centre at least once or twice before they officially start. These visits let your child explore the rooms, outdoor spaces, and meet their educators in a relaxed setting. Many early childhood services, including Cuddles, offer transition mornings specifically designed for new families at centres like Butler and Alkimos. Children and parents can spend time together in the environment, which helps children feel safe and familiar with the space before the real first day arrives.

During the weeks leading up to starting, talk to your child about what to expect. Talking positively about daycare helps your child understand that this is an exciting new chapter. For toddlers and preschoolers, role playing can be especially effective. Pretend to do drop off, have lunch at the centre, or play with new friends. Reading books about starting childcare together is another great way to help your child build a picture of what their days will look like.

One of the most helpful tips is to align your home routine with the centre’s schedule before the first few days. Ask your educators about the daily routine, including meal times, nap time, and play times, then start shifting your child’s routine to match.

If your child currently naps at a different time, gradually move nap time closer to the centre’s schedule over a week or two. Adjust your morning routine so that waking up, getting dressed, eating breakfast, and leaving the house all happen at the times they will on childcare days. Doing a practice run of the commute can also reduce stress on the first morning.

For families working on toilet training, let your educators know where your child is at. Consistency between home and the centre makes a big difference in helping toddlers feel confident and comfortable. Our educators at centres like Ferndale and Lynwood work closely with families to align routines and support each child’s development.

Practical things like packing the right bag can set the tone for a smooth day. Here’s what most child care centres recommend:

A clearly labelled bag with at least one change of clothes (two is even better, especially for younger children who are still mastering mealtimes and messy play). Pack a soft toy or comfort item from home, a drink bottle, sunscreen for sensitive skin, a sun-safe hat, and any required formula or food in an insulated container. If your child has allergies or dietary requirements, make sure the centre has all the information about what they can and cannot eat. Cuddles provides nutritious meals as part of our all-inclusive program, so your pack list may be lighter than you expect.

Label everything. Clothes, bottles, bags, containers. When a centre is caring for many children, clearly labelled belongings prevent mix-ups and lost items. A family photo tucked into your child’s bag can also provide comfort during the day. It gives them something familiar to hold when they miss you.

Don’t forget to share your child’s medical record and any relevant health information with the centre during enrolment. This ensures educators have everything they need to keep your child safe from day one. If you’re wondering about what’s included in fees, our guide on childcare costs in Perth explains how Cuddles’ all-inclusive program covers meals, nappies, and sunscreen.

The drop off is often the hardest part, especially in the first few weeks. But how you handle it has a significant impact on how quickly your child will settle.

Keep goodbyes short, warm, and confident. Give your child a hug, tell them you love them, let them know when you’ll be back in terms they understand (“after afternoon tea” works better than “at 5pm”), and then leave. Avoid lingering, even if your child is upset. It’s completely normal for children to cry at drop off, and most children stop within minutes of the parent leaving. Trust your educators to comfort and engage your child. They do this every day and they’re very good at it.

Creating a consistent goodbye routine helps too. Whether it’s a special wave, a high five, or a kiss on the nose, repeating the same ritual each morning gives your child a sense of predictability that helps them feel secure. If you’re still weighing up which centre is the right fit, our guide on how to choose a childcare centre can help.

If you find it difficult to stay calm during drop off, know that this is also completely normal. Many parents feel emotional during the first few days. Your child picks up on your energy, so taking a deep breath and projecting confidence (even if you don’t fully feel it) genuinely helps.

Every child adjusts at their own pace. Some settle within days, while others need a few weeks. During the first few weeks, expect that your child may be more tired, emotional, or clingy at home. This is a natural response to processing a new environment with new people, new routines, and lots of stimulation.

Start with shorter days if possible, then gradually increase to longer periods as your child becomes more comfortable. Share all the information about your child’s preferences, comfort cues, and sleep habits with your educators. The more they know, the more effectively they can support your child’s progress and help your child settle.

Open communication with your educators makes an enormous difference. Ask about your child’s day at pickup. Find out what they enjoyed, how they slept, and whether they ate their meals. At Cuddles, we keep families informed throughout the day so you’re never left wondering how things are going.

It’s also worth knowing that children often get minor colds and sniffles in the first few weeks of childcare as their immune systems are exposed to new germs. This is temporary and actually helps build stronger immunity over time.

Babies (6 weeks to 12 months): Focus on routine consistency. Share detailed feeding and sleep schedules with educators. A soft toy or muslin that smells like home can be incredibly comforting. Babies often adapt more quickly than parents expect.

Toddlers (1 to 3 years): This is the peak separation anxiety age, so patience and consistency are key. Use role playing, books, and positive language to prepare them. Keep goodbyes short and resist the urge to come back for “one more cuddle.”

Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): Older children can understand more about what’s happening. Talk them through the day in advance. Let them help pack their own bag to build a sense of ownership. Many preschoolers are excited about making friends and learning new developmental skills through play. At this age, outdoor play and nature-based learning become a major highlight of the childcare day.

At Cuddles Early Learning & Childcare, we understand that choosing a child care centre and preparing for the transition is one of the biggest decisions families make. That’s why our settling-in process is designed to support both children and parents from the very first visit.

Our early learning program is built on play-based learning principles aligned with the EYLF, and our centres feature dedicated spaces for every age group where children can explore, grow, and thrive. With locations in Success, Treeby, and many more across Perth, there’s a Cuddles centre close to your family.

Ready to take the first step? Book a tour at your nearest Cuddles centre and see why Perth families trust us with what matters most.