While preparing to go back to work after having your baby, you may feel stressed about finding the ideal daycare facility for your child. Even if you have visited and researched a center as thoroughly as possible, you may still feel leery about leaving your baby with strangers. If so, use the tips below to further check out a facility beyond what you have already discovered during your appointments.

1.  Make an Unannounced Visit

Even if you have scheduled visits to the daycare on several occasions, you may still not feel comfortable with the center. You may wonder what really goes on when they are not expecting you.

If so, make an unannounced visit to the daycare. Wait a few days after your previous visit to give the staff time to settle back into their normal routine. You can then compare the atmosphere of your appointed visit with the one you find when you drop in unexpectedly.

For example, if the center seemed orderly and caring when you met with the staff initially, and it still seems that way when you make your unannounced visit, you can feel more confident with the care provided.

However, if the orderliness during your official appointment has seemed to break down when they are not expecting visitors, you have two options available. First, you can plan on dropping by on another occasion in case they were just having a bad day. Second, you can look elsewhere for a caregiver for your child.

2.  Visit During Busy Times

When you do plan on making an unannounced visit to the daycare facility, try to plan your visit when the staff is especially busy. Usually, the start of the day when children are arriving, meal times, and the end of the day see the most activity.

If you drop by to see that everyone is calm and organized, you can probably rest easy in the knowledge that the caregivers are able to handle these busy times. However, if you find that the entire facility is in disarray or that the staff are upset or yelling, you may want to either visit another day or find another center.

When choosing a daycare for your baby, you want to ensure that you are leaving your precious baby in good hands. Before you settle on a daycare in which to enroll your baby, make sure you ask plenty of questions and observe the center before the first day to ensure you are confident with their services.