How long does it take a child to adjust to daycare?

Most children settle within a couple of weeks. Crying at drop-off is a normal part of separation anxiety, a developmental stage that most children develop around 9 months and that some toddlers show around 15 to 18 months. The distress usually eases within minutes after you leave. A short, consistent goodbye ritual helps most. If intense distress continues well beyond the first weeks, talk with your pediatrician.

Why does my child get sick so often after starting daycare?

Frequent illness in the first years of group care is expected. Young children's bodies are still building immunity to common infections, and infants and toddlers spread germs easily by touching noses or eyes, then toys and each other. For many infections a child is contagious before symptoms appear, so daycare colds are hard to prevent. Frequent handwashing by children and staff is the main defense, and this phase tends to ease over time.

When should I keep my child home from daycare?

Keep your child home for respiratory symptoms with a fever (return after 24 hours fever-free without medicine), a fever above 101°F (38.3°C) with a behavior change or other symptoms, vomiting 2 or more times in 24 hours, diarrhea that isn't contained or has blood or mucus, or a rash with fever until a clinician clears it. A cough or cold without fever, or a runny nose of any color, generally doesn't require staying home.

What staff-to-child ratio should a good daycare have?

The AAP recommends ratios within nationally recognized standards: about 3 children per caregiver for infants up to 12 months (group size up to 6), 4 to 1 for ages 13 to 35 months (up to 8), 7 to 1 for 3-year-olds, and 8 to 1 for 4- and 5-year-olds. Lower ratios mean more supervision and attention. Ask each program for its ratios and group sizes by age, and confirm it is licensed or registered.

How can I make daycare drop-offs easier?

Keep the goodbye short and warm; lingering stretches out the hard part. Use the same ritual at the same time each day, give focused affection, then say goodbye and go even through protest. Use time concepts your child understands, like 'after nap' instead of 'in three hours', and always come back when you said you would. Practicing the goodbye routine before the first day also helps.

Do safe-sleep rules apply at daycare?

Yes. Babies should be placed on their backs to sleep, even for short naps, on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface that meets current safety standards, with no soft objects or loose bedding. Ask whether the program has a written safe-sleep policy and whether staff are trained on it, and confirm that children are supervised by sight and sound at all times, including while sleeping.

Daycare · 3 mo–4 yr

Starting Daycare: A Checklist and Transition Plan

Tears at drop-off are normal, and the adjustment is usually short. A plan helps both of you.

Starting daycare is a transition for your child and for you. This is a practical plan: how to ease in over short days, how to handle goodbyes, what to pack and label, and what to share with caregivers so your child's day stays predictable. It also covers why frequent illness is expected the first year, and what to ask when you tour. Most children settle within a couple of weeks.

8 min read Daycare Updated June 2026

Reviewed against current AAP and CDC guidance

A phased transition, if your provider allows it

Before the first day

Visit together if you can, so the room and a caregiver are familiar.
Practice short separations at home or with a caregiver beforehand.
Shift wake and nap times toward the daycare schedule a few days early.
Write down your child's routine, feeding, and sleep details to hand over.

Familiar faces and a familiar room lower the surprise on day one.

First few days: short visits

Start with a half day or a few hours where possible.
Use the same drop-off ritual each time.
Keep the goodbye short. Lingering stretches the hard part out.
Expect crying at separation. It often stops within minutes of you leaving.

A short, predictable goodbye is easier for your child than a long one.

Building to full days

Lengthen the day as your child settles.
Keep the morning ritual identical even as the schedule grows.
Ask caregivers how recovery after drop-off is going.
Hold your routine steady; consistency is what helps most.

Most children settle into the new normal within a couple of weeks.

Goodbyes and separation anxiety

Keep the goodbye short and warm. If you linger, the transition time does too.
Use the same goodbye, at the same time, the same way each day.
Give focused affection, then say goodbye and go, even through protest.
Use time concepts your child understands, like 'after nap', not 'in three hours'.
Come back when you said you would. Kept promises build trust over time.
Practice the goodbye routine before formal care begins.

Frequent illness the first year is expected

Children get sick often in their first years of group care as their bodies build immunity to common infections. Infants and toddlers wipe noses or rub eyes, then touch toys and each other, so germs spread easily. For many infections, a child is contagious a day or more before symptoms appear, which is why daycare colds are hard to prevent. Frequent handwashing by children and staff is the main defense, alongside clean surfaces and sanitized toys. This stretch is normal and tends to ease as your child's immune system builds.

When to keep your child home, and when to call the doctor

Respiratory symptoms (cough, runny nose, or sore throat) together with a fever; return after 24 hours fever-free without fever-reducing medicine.
Fever above 101°F (38.3°C) with a behavior change or other symptoms such as sore throat, rash, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Vomiting 2 or more times in the previous 24 hours.
Diarrhea not contained in the diaper or toilet, more than 2 extra stools in 24 hours, or stool with more than a drop of blood or mucus.
Rash with fever or behavior change, until a clinician confirms it isn't contagious.
Any infant under 2 months with an unexplained fever above 100.4°F (38.0°C): seek medical advice promptly.

Call 911

What to pack and label

Diapers, wipes, and diaper cream, restocked as the center asks.
At least two full changes of clothes, season-appropriate.
Bottles, formula, or labeled breast milk, plus any feeding notes.
A comfort item if the center allows it (check the safe-sleep policy first).
Sunscreen, a hat, and weather gear for outdoor play.
Any medication with written instructions, handed directly to staff.
A spare set of clothes for the cubby, and bags for soiled items.

Share your child's routine and build communication

Feeding: amounts, timing, foods introduced, and any allergies.
Sleep: nap times, wind-down cues, and how your child settles.
Comfort: what soothes your child and what tends to upset them.
Health: medications, conditions, and your pediatrician's contact.
Daily updates: ask how naps, meals, diapers, and mood are shared.
A consistent handoff: a short verbal note plus your written summary.

Safe sleep at daycare

Safe-sleep rules apply at daycare exactly as they do at home. Babies are placed on their backs to sleep, even for short naps, on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface that meets current safety standards, with no soft objects or loose bedding in the sleep area. Ask whether the program has a written safe-sleep policy and whether staff are trained on it. Confirm that children are supervised by sight and sound at all times, including while sleeping.

What to ask and tour for when choosing care

Is the center licensed or registered with local agencies, with no outstanding violations, and is it accredited or working toward it?
What are the staff-to-child ratios and group sizes by age? (See the table below.)
What education, training, and experience do caregivers have, and are they certified in CPR?
Are children supervised by sight and sound at all times, even while sleeping?
Are there written policies on health, illness, medication, nutrition, discipline, transportation, media, and outdoor play?
What is the safe-sleep policy for infants?
How often does a health professional visit the program?
Can I visit anytime the center is open, and how are visitors screened?

AAP recommended ratios and group sizes by age

Child's age	Children per caregiver	Maximum group size
Up to 12 months	3 to 1	6
13 to 35 months	4 to 1	8
3-year-olds	7 to 1	14
4- to 5-year-olds	8 to 1	16
6 to 8 years	10 to 1	20
9 to 12 years	12 to 1	24

Your own adjustment

Drop-off can be hard on you too, especially the first week. That's a normal part of the change, not a sign you've made the wrong choice. Watching your goodbye ritual work, and hearing how your child recovers after you leave, tends to settle the worry. Stay in regular contact with caregivers, give the routine a couple of weeks, and check in with your pediatrician if separation distress stays intense or your child isn't settling.

Quick answers

How long does it take a child to adjust to daycare?: Most children settle within a couple of weeks. Crying at drop-off is a normal part of separation anxiety, a developmental stage that most children develop around 9 months and that some toddlers show around 15 to 18 months. The distress usually eases within minutes after you leave. A short, consistent goodbye ritual helps most. If intense distress continues well beyond the first weeks, talk with your pediatrician.
Why does my child get sick so often after starting daycare?: Frequent illness in the first years of group care is expected. Young children's bodies are still building immunity to common infections, and infants and toddlers spread germs easily by touching noses or eyes, then toys and each other. For many infections a child is contagious before symptoms appear, so daycare colds are hard to prevent. Frequent handwashing by children and staff is the main defense, and this phase tends to ease over time.
When should I keep my child home from daycare?: Keep your child home for respiratory symptoms with a fever (return after 24 hours fever-free without medicine), a fever above 101°F (38.3°C) with a behavior change or other symptoms, vomiting 2 or more times in 24 hours, diarrhea that isn't contained or has blood or mucus, or a rash with fever until a clinician clears it. A cough or cold without fever, or a runny nose of any color, generally doesn't require staying home.
What staff-to-child ratio should a good daycare have?: The AAP recommends ratios within nationally recognized standards: about 3 children per caregiver for infants up to 12 months (group size up to 6), 4 to 1 for ages 13 to 35 months (up to 8), 7 to 1 for 3-year-olds, and 8 to 1 for 4- and 5-year-olds. Lower ratios mean more supervision and attention. Ask each program for its ratios and group sizes by age, and confirm it is licensed or registered.
How can I make daycare drop-offs easier?: Keep the goodbye short and warm; lingering stretches out the hard part. Use the same ritual at the same time each day, give focused affection, then say goodbye and go even through protest. Use time concepts your child understands, like 'after nap' instead of 'in three hours', and always come back when you said you would. Practicing the goodbye routine before the first day also helps.
Do safe-sleep rules apply at daycare?: Yes. Babies should be placed on their backs to sleep, even for short naps, on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface that meets current safety standards, with no soft objects or loose bedding. Ask whether the program has a written safe-sleep policy and whether staff are trained on it, and confirm that children are supervised by sight and sound at all times, including while sleeping.

Sources & further reading

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This guide reflects current AAP and CDC guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For any medical concern, contact your healthcare provider.