Childcare and Sleep

Starting childcare is a major life change for an infant or toddler. When starting childcare or making any other big life changes, I teach the Three C’s. Changes = Connection & Cortisol.

Changes

Any major change has the potential to affect sleep in unpredictable ways. Typically, infants experience bedtime resistance and increased night waking, but each child is different and may react differently. Knowing your baby’s temperament as well as your own can be helpful when considering how both of you may react to the start of childcare.

Connection

Babies brains expect a lot of physical connection with their caregivers. When that suddenly changes or is taken away when starting childcare, the need does not simply disappear. If babies don’t get the connection they need during the day, they may seek it out during the night. This is one potential cause of increased night waking during major life changes. Plan on extra one on one time in the evening after work/childcare, even if that means bedtime is pushed later into the evening. While it may take away from productivity or personal time, it will benefit your child and yourself in the long run.

Cortisol

Cortisol is a stress hormone. When children attend childcare they have higher levels of cortisol, even at the best childcares that provide plenty of one on one connection through primary caregivers. Along with connection, plan on time for rough and tumble play and laughter before bed. The best way to lower cortisol is exercise and laughter. So have some fun! You might even find it helps you sleep better, too.

Other Major Changes

You can apply these same concepts to any major life change such as moving, one parent returning to work, adding another child to the family, and more. The key is to anticipate the effects on sleep and respond with connection and helping your child lower cortisol before bed.

Remember that your mental state is important, too. A dysregulated caregiver cannot effectively soothe a fussy infant. If you’ve had a stressful day, consider taking a few minutes to use a self regulation strategy for yourself before connecting with your child. Take a few deep breaths, use a grounding exercise, drink a glass of water, put on your favorite pjs, whatever helps you let go of the day and be present with your child.