How can I prepare 10mo DS for childcare?

My DS (10 months) is starting childcare three days a week in mid March. In the lead-up to that time, I want to "prepare" him for those days when I won't be around, iykwim. I'd really welcome any thoughts on things I could do over the next 6-8 weeks that might make his life easier at cc.

Here's what I'm already thinking:

DS self-settling in his cot - DS isn't too bad at getting to sleep, although can cry for up to 10-15 mins. At this stage, I will pick him up/rock him till he gets very drowsy and then I'll put him back in his cot. I imagine that it might not be possible for his carer(s) to do this. I'm not into controlled crying, so simply trying to pick him up a little less and hopefully get him more used to settling down in his cot.

Getting rid of the dummy - I'm going to assume it will be a good idea to have him dummy-free at cc (or use it for sleeping purposes only).

Establishing a solid routine - fairly obvious to me that it will help all concerned if he's "fed, watered and stabled" at certain times each day at home and at cc.

Slow introduction to childcare - will build up the time DS spends there from approx 6 weeks before he starts, so he's familiar/more comfy with the surrounds and carers.

Other than that, is there anything else I can do that will make him happier without me around? Gosh ... am I really just trying to wrap him in cotton wool :o ?

Andie

Can you come to my house and get Ollie like that? PLEASE :lol:
Sounds like you got everything in order. Is the daycare doing "orientation" with him. where a week or 2 before he starts he goes for afew hours, then a morning , then an afternoon etc? When we had DS#1 in daycare thats how they started us and it worked great for everybody.

I was sounding just like you Andie and I forgot to prepare myself. I was an absolute mess the first day. I cried and cried and cried. Don't forget to prepare yourself too darling. I didn't change Olivia's routine at all. I decided that I was paying a fortune for her to be there so they can work to her routine. I wrote out her routine for them to follow and we didn't have a problem. I did send a kit of Livvy's stuff with her first day for them to keep there including panadol, sudocreme, spare dummy and favourite drink cup. I also packed her a blankie from home so she had something from home with her in her cot. That way if Livvy needed something it was always there and I didn't have to remember to take things and bring them home again. I also brought Livvy a special bag that was especially for childcare so she knew what that bag was for. Look into getting labels as everything needs to be labelled. Just makes it much easier. You will find that the childcare centre will have an introdution program too.
Hope you and Cammie make the transition to childcare really well. Olivia loves it which does make it easier. Good luck.

Doubletrouble - yep, childcare people have encouraged us to start visiting any time from now onwards, so I'll probably start going in the next week or two. They're happy for us to build up to me leaving Cam there for a while. It's definitely the way to go - gives us all a chance to get used to how things are soon going to be.

Dan - thanks hun, you're spot on - it's really me that needs the preparation. Cam is (so far) an easy, adaptable baby, so I'm sure he'll be fine. I hate the thought of sending him to childcare - in all honesty, I'm trying not to think too much about it. But I'm a realist at heart, and know that I need to do it for all sorts of reasons. And at least it's only three days a week ;). I'm sure he'll thrive on the interaction he has with the other tots. Childcare said they'd follow my routine, so that's a piece of cake. And thanks for all your tips - in particular, I'll definitely send "pookie" (Cam's teddy) with him and organise some labels.

Cheers, Andie

We found the 1st month the hardest. He cried abit, but they sadi that stoped about 2mins after we left. Tore at my heart strings though. Once you have a few photos taken to show you what baby is up to, it feels better. And, I personally, think the space is good for everybody, makes everybody appreciate each other more. As well as good for "socialisation" for the children. You will both be fine :)