Starting daycare is a big milestone—for your child and for you. It’s normal to feel excited, nervous, proud, and a little emotional all at once. For children, their first day of daycare means a new environment, new adults, and new routines. For parents, it often brings questions like: Will they cry? Will they feel safe? Am I doing this right?
The good news is that with thoughtful preparation, most children adjust beautifully. The goal isn’t a tear-free first day—it’s helping your child feel safe, supported, and confident as they begin this new chapter.
Here’s a practical, reassuring guide to preparing your child for their first day of daycare, written with real Calgary families in mind.
Start with the Big Picture: Familiarity Builds Confidence
Children thrive on predictability. When daycare feels familiar—even a little—it becomes far less intimidating. Preparation isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about giving your child enough exposure and consistency so that the experience feels safe and expected.
Talking positively about daycare, practicing routines, and creating simple rituals all help your child understand what’s coming next. Over time, this builds trust—not just in the daycare, but in their ability to handle new situations.
A Simple Timeline That Makes the Transition Easier
One to Two Weeks Before the First Day
Start talking about daycare in a calm, encouraging way. Use simple language that matches your child’s age. You might say, “You’re going to daycare where you’ll play with toys, make art, and have snack with friends.” Keep it upbeat, but honest.
Reading books about starting daycare can help children process emotions they don’t yet have words for. Stories about separation and reunions gently reinforce that parents always come back.
If possible, visit the daycare together. Walking into the classroom, meeting educators, and seeing toys and play areas helps remove the fear of the unknown. Even a short visit can make a big difference.
It’s also helpful to practice brief separations with trusted adults. Leaving your child with a grandparent, babysitter, or close friend for short periods helps them learn that separation is temporary—and safe.
Three to Five Days Before
Begin adjusting daily routines to better match the daycare schedule. Shift bedtime and wake-up times gradually. If your child will be napping earlier or later than usual, start easing into that rhythm.
Practice everyday independence skills in a relaxed way. Encourage your child to try putting on shoes, washing hands, or feeding themselves. Confidence grows when children feel capable, even in small ways.
You can also rehearse the morning routine. Getting dressed, putting on boots or jackets, and heading out the door can feel rushed on the first day—practicing ahead of time reduces stress for everyone.
The Night Before
Prepare everything you can ahead of time. Pack bags, label belongings, and choose clothes together if your child is old enough. In Calgary, that might mean labeling extra socks, mittens, or a neck warmer during colder months.
Talk through what will happen the next day in simple steps: wake up, breakfast, daycare, pickup. Reassure your child when they’ll see you again.
Aim for a calm evening and an early bedtime. A well-rested child is better equipped to handle new experiences.
What to Pack for the First Day (and Why It Helps)
Being prepared reduces anxiety—for parents and children alike. While each daycare has its own guidelines, most first-day bags include a few essentials.
Extra clothes are important, especially for younger children or those who are potty training. Accidents, spills, and messy play are all part of learning.
A comfort item, if allowed, can be incredibly soothing. A small blanket, stuffed toy, or even a family photo can provide reassurance during quiet moments.
For infants and toddlers, diapers, wipes, and creams are often needed. Clear communication with educators about routines and preferences helps ensure consistency.
Labeling everything is more important than it sounds. From water bottles to winter gear, labels prevent mix-ups and help your child recognize their own belongings.
Drop-Off: Creating a Calm and Confident Goodbye
Drop-off is often the most emotional part of the day. A thoughtful plan can make it smoother for everyone.
A short, consistent goodbye ritual works best. This could be a hug, a special phrase, and a wave. Doing the same thing each morning helps your child know exactly what to expect.
Stay calm and positive, even if your child is upset. Children are incredibly perceptive. When they sense confidence from you, they’re more likely to feel secure.
Keep goodbyes brief. While it can be tempting to linger, long farewells often make separation harder. Trust the educators to take over and support your child once you leave.
Avoid sneaking out. Even if it seems easier in the moment, it can undermine trust and increase anxiety over time.
The First Week: What’s Normal (and What’s Not)
Big Emotions and Adjustment
Many children cry at drop-off during the first days or weeks. This doesn’t mean daycare isn’t a good fit. Adjustment is rarely linear. Some days will be easier than others.
You may notice extra clinginess or emotional behavior at home. This is a common sign that your child is using a lot of energy adapting during the day and releasing emotions in a safe place later.
Changes in Sleep and Eating
It’s normal for sleep and eating patterns to change at first. Your child might nap differently or come home extra hungry—or not very hungry at all.
Earlier bedtimes during the first few weeks can help. Keep evenings calm and predictable to support rest.
Illness Happens
Exposure to new germs is common when children start daycare. While it can be frustrating, this phase usually improves as immune systems strengthen.
Follow your daycare’s illness policies, and don’t hesitate to ask educators for guidance if you’re unsure when to keep your child home.
Partnering with Your Child’s Educators
Strong communication between parents and educators makes a real difference. Share helpful details about your child’s preferences, comfort strategies, and routines.
Let educators know what works at home—whether it’s a certain phrase, song, or calming technique. This consistency helps children feel secure.
Ask questions and stay engaged, especially during the early weeks. Feeling connected builds trust and eases your own transition as a parent.
Age-Specific Tips for a Smoother Start
Infants benefit from quick, calm hand-offs and familiar routines. A comforting scent or item can help them settle.
Toddlers do well with simple explanations and limited choices. Predictable routines and clear transitions support their growing independence.
Preschool and pre-kindergarten children often appreciate being involved. Let them help pack their bag or talk through the day ahead. Role-playing drop-off and pickup can also ease anxiety.
A Supportive Note for Calgary Families
Every child’s transition into daycare looks a little different. Some settle in quickly. Others need more time—and that’s okay. With patience, consistency, and support, most children grow to love their daycare routine.
At Chapter1 Daycare, we understand how meaningful this moment is for families. With locations in Cedarbrae and Royal Oak, flexible schedules including extended hours, and caring educators who prioritize emotional safety, we work closely with parents to make each child’s transition as smooth as possible.
If you’re preparing for your child’s first day of daycare and have questions, we’re always here to help. Every great story begins with Chapter 1.
FAQs
How do I prepare my child emotionally for daycare?
Start early with positive conversations, visits to the centre, and simple routines. Familiarity and reassurance help children feel safe.
How long does it take for children to adjust to daycare?
Adjustment varies. Some children settle in within days, while others may take a few weeks. Consistency and patience are key.
What if my child cries every day at drop-off?
This is common, especially in the early weeks. Keep goodbyes short and consistent, and trust educators to support your child once you leave.
What should I pack for the first day of daycare?
Extra clothes, labeled belongings, comfort items if allowed, and any required supplies based on your daycare’s guidelines.
Is it normal for children to get sick after starting daycare?
Yes. Increased exposure to germs is common at first, but it usually improves over time.
Should we start daycare with half days?
For some children, gradual starts work well. Talk with your daycare about what approach best suits your child’s temperament and needs.
What if my child won’t nap or eat at daycare?
Changes are normal at first. Give it time, maintain routines at home, and communicate with educators about any concerns.
How can I make mornings easier before daycare?
Prepare the night before, keep routines predictable, and allow extra time so mornings feel calm rather than rushed.