preparing for daycare — the lead-up, the first day, the first month
starting daycare is a milestone for your child and a logistics test for you. the families that handle it best plan the lead-up, accept the first month is bumpy, and trust the process. here's how to do exactly that.
by Sophie Nguyen · last updated 4 May 2026
general info, not medical advice
for child-specific concerns, talk to the centre director, your GP or your maternal child health nurse.
4 weeks before — the lead-up
- shift wake/feed times closer to the daycare day rhythm — even 15 minutes earlier helps.
- talk about daycare in a positive, matter-of-fact way. show photos of the centre.
- if breastfeeding-only, start practising bottles or sippy cups.
- label everything — clothes, hats, bottles, dummies. centres use first-name labels.
- buy what you need: a daycare bag, easy-on shoes (Velcro, not laces), spare clothes (3 sets), labelled water bottle.
2 weeks before — visits + paperwork
- do the orientation — most centres offer 1–2 free visits. take them.
- complete enrolment paperwork — immunisations up to date is non-negotiable in AU under "no jab no play".
- sign the CCS forms via myGov / Centrelink.
- share allergies, medical needs, comfort items, sleep cues, eating preferences in writing.
- talk to your employer about the first week — many parents stagger their return.
the day before
- early bedtime, easy dinner.
- pack the bag the night before.
- lay out clothes for both of you.
- sleep yourself — emotionally it's a big day.
the first day — the script
- arrive with time to spare — no rush.
- say hello to the educator and let your child see you trust them.
- do a short, warm goodbye — "I love you, I'll be back after lunch, have fun!"
- leave when you say you'll leave. don't sneak out.
- they may cry. most kids settle within minutes once you're out of sight, though some take longer — call the centre any time you need reassurance, that's what they're there for.
- be early to pick up.
the educator knows what they're doing
your child crying at drop-off doesn't mean it's wrong. educators are trained for this. trust them, and your child will trust the room.
the first month — what to expect
- weeks 1–2: tears at drop-off. shorter naps. tired evenings. lots of new germs ("daycare cold" is real — most kids have 8–12 colds in their first year of care).
- weeks 3–4: settling in — they recognise educators, find favourite toys, longer naps.
- you'll be tired too. it's a transition for the whole family.
what to pack each day
- labelled hat (no hat = no play in AU sun policies)
- labelled water bottle
- 2–3 spare outfits (more for under-2)
- spare nappies + wipes if not provided
- comfort item if your child uses one
- labelled bottles / cups
- any meds with a signed action plan
hold the date — settle slowly
if your work timeline allows, ease in: half-day for the first 2 days, then full days. it builds trust faster than throwing them in cold.
frequently asked
how long does it take a child to settle?
most children settle in 2–4 weeks. some take 6–8 weeks. very few don't settle at all — if you're at 3 months and it's still very hard, talk to the centre director about strategies before considering a switch.
should I send a comfort item?
yes if your child uses one (a soft toy, blanket, or dummy). label it. centres expect it, especially for under-3s, and it speeds settling.
what if my child gets sick a lot?
it's normal — 8–12 viral illnesses in the first year is the AU norm for daycare children. the immune system is building. by year 2, illnesses drop sharply. our childcare exclusion periods guide tells you when they have to stay home.