https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:35:48 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-1074788 Mon, 09 Sep 2013 14:55:14 +0000 ShootingStar 1074788@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Katrocap: @Kimberlybee: We decided to go with the second one. I was going to have us tour a third, but I called them a million times and never heard back. DH was like "would you want to send DS there and be trying to get a hold of them and not have anyone answer?" So we scratched them off our list. </p> <p>Honestly, I just had a much better feeling about the 2nd one. And on top of that there was a huge price disparity between them. I couldn't justify spending $600 more per month on a daycare I wasn't really feeling, even though it's closer and in a newer building. </p> <p>@Kimberlybee: I think once you tour some, you'll easily figure out what things you guys are looking for in a daycare. Or, what things bother you that you wouldn't have thought of. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-1072881 Sun, 08 Sep 2013 16:59:11 +0000 Kimberlybee 1072881@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsCB: I am also interested about the final pick for your daycare choice and what ultimately won you over. I am out on leave until after the new year and want to know what things to look for. Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-1072790 Sun, 08 Sep 2013 15:04:54 +0000 Katrocap 1072790@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrscb: I just came across your thread. Which daycare did you end up going with? How are things going? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-985504 Fri, 02 Aug 2013 15:30:26 +0000 ShootingStar 985504@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: We liked it a lot better! The location is a tiny bit less convenient, and the building's a little older, but other than that we liked it much much more. I didn't have the same concerns about propping the babies up and getting distracted, and the food there was much better. The director also gave me a much better feeling than the manager who showed us around at the last place.</p> <p>We're going to set up a visit with one more, but I feel pretty good about this place :). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-985089 Fri, 02 Aug 2013 13:06:44 +0000 T.H.O.U. 985089@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsCB: Can't wait to hear about the place this morning! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977813 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 10:46:06 +0000 ShootingStar 977813@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sweetooth: The bee was a big help in know what to ask about! She was surprised at some of my questions, haha. </p> <p>@Smurfette: Yes, the distraction is my concern as well. Because if you get distracted for a minute while the baby's in a swing or exersaucer it's not a big deal. And maybe it's not with the boppies either, they're just not meant for that.</p> <p>@mrs. wagon: Well it's definitely not cheap at ~$1700/month, lol. But then I don't think any MA daycare would be. Daycares near where I work range from $1700-$2500. Daycares near where DH works are more like $2500-$3000. </p> <p>We found another one we like the look of and have an appointment to go on Friday morning. I have to keep reminding myself that nowhere is going to be perfect. It's just amazing how when he's not even here, it's so hard to think about trusting other people to care for him the same way we would. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977796 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 10:40:45 +0000 SugarplumsMom 977796@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Go with your gut! I wasn't thrilled after touring our first daycare even though it's super close and one of the reasons why we bought our house. I always imagined she would go there. But in the end, I wasn't completely comfortable with leaving her there vs. another daycare we toured. Although we were lucky because the other daycare isn't out of the way.</p> <p>Admitingly, the snacks comment and propping on boppies would make me uncomfy and I'd do some research for other daycares, but maybe it's just my first time mom senses cropping up. </p> <p>As for the mix age groups, that's what they do here. In fact, it's a complete mix of ages from 1 - 5 years old. I think it's kind of nice since it teaches the older kids to look out for the younger ones and the teachers aren't overwhelmed with too many babies. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977738 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 10:27:42 +0000 mrs. wagon 977738@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsCB: ah, I see, definitely makes sense. You just don't want unnecessary snacking purely to keep the kids quiet that will interfere with mealtimes. </p> <p>I agree with others, there won't be a perfect daycare out there, but if I were you I'd keep looking until you could at least find one with a director who you mesh with well so that you can have good communication with them and your LO's direct teachers. I don't think any daycare would say that your LO will absolutely be fed more than 10 cheerios at a time and you have no control over that... but if that's their regular protocol and you don't agree with it, then at least an attitude of listening to the parents' wants and needs can be presented. </p> <p>It definitely sounds like you want to be in control of all food matters, so if I were you, I'd put that high on the priority list-- a daycare who will listen to your needs/wants and adapt to your wishes for what is provided for food. Or find one that provides zero food so you have total control. (Which you actually don't since mealtime is always a social thing and kids just take food off of each other's plates! But at least you have control over what is put in front of your child ;) )</p> <p>The fact that they allow cloth diapers and provide food at all is pretty amazing...!! A place like that in my area would be astronomically expensive!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977711 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 10:23:14 +0000 sweetooth 977711@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have anything to add, because I'm in the same boat as you just trying to research places now and set up some appointments for tours. I appreciate you sharing your experiences and concerns and for the helpful feedback on this thread so that I know what to keep an eye out for.</p> <p>I think if you look at some more options, your choice will be come clear. I also think that another visit during the day, unannounced is a great idea. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977678 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 10:10:28 +0000 Smurfette 977678@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskc: I agree if they are learning to sit, then it is fine. But a 3 month propped up with two, I would have an issue with, cause the teacher could easily get distracted. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977665 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 10:06:42 +0000 T.H.O.U. 977665@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't' read all the comments but it looks like you have gotten good advice here. </p> <p>1) I think it would be nice to have some of these things for babies to sit in. Ours did have a limit that they couldn't be in them for more then 30 minutes and no napping in things like swings. I had concerns that things like this weren't being cleaned very often (its hard to really clean a jumperoo with all the attachments). </p> <p>2) Mixing mobile and non-mobile is normal. Usually by the time they are walking they get moved to the "older infant" room. </p> <p>3) You will want them to start on some finger foods early on. My daughter was reaching for other kids breakfasts so you want to make sure they know how to chew. </p> <p>4). I agree, snacks just arent good anywhere. We try to send her some fresh fruit each day. </p> <p>- On your note about the boppy, no I wouldn't be concerned unless they are propping them up with a bottle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977661 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 10:04:45 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 977661@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What you're describing sounds a lot like my daycare (minus the forcefulness of having snacks).</p> <p>1) mixed ages is great for us. He's learned a lot and hasn't been injured by any mobile babies. Once the older ones learn to walk, they're transitioned to the Toddler class the next week. </p> <p>2) consolidation is standard. I ended up liking that, too. He gets to experience more environments, meet more teachers, and play with more babies.</p> <p>3) no "holders". This is what sold me on my daycare. I love that they don't have jumpers, etc, because I felt like they couldn't just leave the babies in holder. Our teachers really do interact with him (and I've dropped in many, many times at random.) I've never gone in when a baby was chilling in a crib and hadn't obviously just woken up. The boppy thing isn't as dangerous as it sounds and our daycare only used the double boppy when he was getting close to sitting unassisted.</p> <p>4) food. The snack options aren't great &amp; I don't like that they are telling you what you "have" to do. What's the rest of the menu like? Ours serves fresh fruit 3x a day and afternoon snack is usually graham crackers. I wasn't thrilled, so I asked them to limit those snacks (and skip the am one). They didn't give me any trouble.</p> <p>I'd suggest looking at more day cares, but know that none of them will be perfect. It will be really hard to give up control of your son's care/day. But it will get easier and you'll figure out which things aren't as objectionable (for your family). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977660 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 10:03:45 +0000 ShootingStar 977660@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskc: That's good to know. That was our first one. We have one more in the same vicinity that I want to check out too. If we don't like that one, we have some difficult decisions to make in terms of location. These two are near our house, and we could split drop offs and pick ups. Otherwise we need to look at ones that are on our commutes, which go in different directions and then one person is responsible for all of it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977655 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 10:01:19 +0000 mrskc 977655@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsCB: the boppy thing is fine as long as a teacher is right there, especially if they are learning to sit. We used a boppy a lot when DS was learning to sit. If was more of a cushion in case he fell... and they tumble a lot when learning how to sit. I wouldn't like it if they are just using it to prop the baby up and then just leave them there. That's a really great ratio they have. Have you checked out other daycares? I would definitely stop by during the day and check out other centers if you haven't already. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977651 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:59:52 +0000 ShootingStar 977651@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Smurfette: Yes, they're propping up babies that can't yet sit. While we were there the teacher stacked 2 boppies and sat a pretty small baby up against them. I'm guessing she was no older than 3 months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977644 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:55:47 +0000 Smurfette 977644@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsCB: That is a good ratio. I know the state has a 6:1 ratio here, but our day care does 4:1. </p> <p>Are they propping up babies that can't sit up, so they can sit up? I do agree that two boppy's to prop up a kid could be dangerous. </p> <p>I would stop by for sure unannounced again and see what it is like during the day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977633 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:52:00 +0000 ShootingStar 977633@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Smurfette: So the ratio of teachers to kids is either 1:3, or 2:4-7. If they have more than 3 kids, they have 2 teachers, less than 3 is 1 teacher. It sounds fine in theory. I'm thinking that before we make a decision I need to go visit them during the day when they have lots of babies and see what's going on - are they holding them, on the floor, in boppies?</p> <p>Would anyone else be concerned about the boppy issue? I'm fine with it if there's a teacher sitting right there next to him while he's propped up. But if they get distracted that doesn't seem like the safest way to leave them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977631 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:50:33 +0000 Mrs. Pen 977631@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I totally understand. I had a hard time finding daycares too especially for the food issue. But like mediagirl said, most of them should follow the rules you set for your child and you should be able to bring in your own meals. </p> <p>I have NEVER given my child cheerios and he has learned to eat extremely well! It was way more important that he learn to eat vegetables and fruits on his own - and from months 5-12 that's all he ate. He didn't eat grains or sweets ever and I don't regret it at all. And we still limit grains and sweets severely at 17 months.<br /> I won't be made to feel guilty about those choices and nor should you. </p> <p>Good luck deciding - it's not an easy decision. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977616 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:43:42 +0000 Smurfette 977616@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsCB: I would have an issue with that. How many kids are in the class? How could they hold them enough? I would worry about being on the back/head for too long during the day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977607 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:40:24 +0000 ShootingStar 977607@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's really interesting seeing the divide in the attitudes about the baby containers. So my feeling is that while I don't want them to be using devices as "babysitters" I also don't want him in a crib all day. @Smurfette: It seems they are in the crib, on an activity mat, propped sitting up on 2 boppies, or held. </p> <p>It's also good to know that mixing mobile and non-mobile babies doesn't seem to be a big deal. DH's attitude was "of course he's going to get knocked over, he'll have to deal." *rolls eyes*</p> <p>I mostly felt good about the place until the end when we were talking about food. And maybe I should just let it go. If he gets a few graham crackers every day, it's not a tragedy, just not my preference. And we hope to move in a couple years, so there may be limited time that he's there and eating the full menu. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977572 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:29:17 +0000 Smurfette 977572@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would be concerned about the lack of swings, exersaucer, bouncy, etc, What do they do with the babies all day? If a baby can't sit up on their own, do they just lay them on mat or crib all day?</p> <p>I would have an issue with not letting me bring my own snacks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977571 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:29:04 +0000 mrskc 977571@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would ultimately go with your gut instinct. As far as no jumpers, etc. Those are banned in daycares in California, so maybe that could be the reason? I also see that as a plus as long as the babies are only napping in the crib and not being left in there. And it is weird that they won't let you bring in your own food. I would keep looking. You'll know when you find something you feel comfortable with. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977564 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:27:53 +0000 dookie32 977564@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not having exersaucers and Bumbos is a good thing. That means they are not just propping them up and leaving them there. Our son's day care doesn't have anything but mats on the floor and it's great. The kids interact with each other and the teachers a lot more and I think it encourages them to roll/crawl/walk a lot faster. </p> <p>We never had any issues with the older kids and younger babies- the ages were 8 weeks to 14 months in the infant room. I actually think it's been a positive because once my son was walking he started helping with the babies by bringing them toys or giving them little headbutts (his sign of affection) when they were crying. It gives me a lot of hope for when he's a big brother in the coming years! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977554 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:25:24 +0000 ShootingStar 977554@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. wagon: The reason for limiting cheerios is that I don't want to fall into the habit of having him snack on cheerios all day and not want to eat at meals. I've seen so many parents that use food as the way to quiet kids - going in the car? Give them a container full of cheerios. Going shopping? Give more cheerios. Etc. And then they struggle at dinner because the kid eats 2 bites and doesn't want any more. Also, I've struggled with my weight most of my life and I don't want to be setting up the habit for eating lots of empty calories as a pacifier. </p> <p>It's probably not a big deal that they give him 10 cheerios as a snack. It was more the attitude of you MUST feed cheerios to your child that rubbed me the wrong way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977551 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:23:59 +0000 edelweiss 977551@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>our daycare consolidates and it hasn't been a problem--LO is the youngest and i think they hold him a lot to keep him out of the way of the other mobile babies. also the other babies move, but not so energetically/purposefully that i would worry about LO getting trampled. the babies generally leave each other alone.</p> <p>as for the lack of putting LO somewhere, our daycare also has a policy of not having baby equipment that restrains the baby--i think it has to do with concerns about injury and not wanting daycares to just plop a baby in an exersaucer and leave him there for hours. i'm not against exersaucers or swings, but in any case this hasn't been a problem for us.</p> <p>i admit that i wouldn't be too happy about the snacks and being told that i should have them on cheerios. i'm not against cheerios, but if i'm going to send in snacks for LO, i'd like to decide what he's going to eat. not being able to send an alternative in the toddler room would concern me.</p> <p>all that being said, your gut instinct is important. you'll also get a better sense about the "industry standard" in your area after visiting a few more places. good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977527 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:17:40 +0000 mrs. wagon 977527@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsCB: The consolidation at the end of the day is a pretty common thing, I believe. It's because it's such a long day and many kids go home pretty early, so consolidating makes the teacher load lighter. </p> <p>I would be concerned about the lack of places to put babies. Great if the reason is because they have lots of floor time or individually held time, but not great if the reason is because they hang out in cribs all day.</p> <p>Why are you planning on severely limiting cheerios? I find it to be a fantastic first finger food because 1) it's easy to grasp, making it the perfect food to practice that pincer grip, and 2) because they dissolve easily in their mouths, which is really important especially before teeth. Plus I like that it has less sugar than the common baby food puffs. For us, cheerios and puffs are just for practice (pincer grip, getting food from tray to mouth, getting food in mouth). Practicing with other foods is nearly impossible. Almost all fruit is really frustrating and difficult for babies to pick up. Same goes for steamed veggies (raw veggies are not recommended for kids under 2 because of the choking hazard). Why not let LO practice with cheerios, mum mums, and puffs until they've mastered the ability to feed themselves? </p> <p>LMW just turned 1 and now eats very little cheerios, mum mums or puffs. Mostly because she'd rather eat the "real" food! WJ is 3.5 and he has cheerios with milk as part of his breakfast a few days a week. It's great practice for him for the whole spoon to mouth thing.</p> <p>ETA: weird that they won't let you bring in your own food. Our daycare provides zero food (just water for their cups throughout the day) so I have no experience with that. I would not be ok with ice cream on a regular basis, but now that Wagon Jr. is 3, I think I'd be ok with it if they started doing that for whatever reason, as long as it was once every two weeks. Not once a week or every day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977518 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:14:41 +0000 mediagirl 977518@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1. Ice Cream. I have this same problem at my daycare and I laid out a list for them of things she can't have. She can't have juice, which they give to 1 year olds and up and she can't have sweets. I told the infant teachers from day 1 that she was not to partake in the birthday party sweets because I didn't want her having sweets before her birthday. Now, she is allowed to have a small bit of cake if they have a birthday but no ice cream on ice cream Fridays (at my daycare, too). I also take her lunch even though they provide lunch. This makes sure she only gets what I send. My thing is my child, my rules and they have to go along with that. I would ask if, when she is old enough, you can bring your own food. I did some research into NC daycare guidelines and the rules state parents can always bring their own food even if the daycare provides food.</p> <p>2. Could you ask about bouncers or exersaucers? Our daycare had a lot of bouncers and two swings which I was happy with because our daughter was a bouncer addict. At the same time, I liked that they didn't rely on them. Most of the times when I would go into her room, she would be in someone's arms. If you have these concerns, I would bring them up to the director or the teachers and see what they say.</p> <p>As for having a mixed bag of older and younger kids, I found while I worried about her being toppled, as well, the teachers were very observant! They made sure babies weren't being stepped on and weren't being hit by older kids. The good thing about older kids being around younger kids is the younger kids want to do the things the older kids are doing! I swear that's why M started walking so early! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977511 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:11:59 +0000 littlek 977511@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would go with your gut instinct. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977509 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:11:38 +0000 pelikila 977509@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As far as mixing babies, this wasn't an issue for us. Our daycare has one infant room (starting as young as 8 weeks) and goes up to when they are ready to move to the toddler room (12-16 months or so) when they are walking, drinking from a sippy, and able to feed themselves decently. Our infant room had a 4:1 ratio and they were able to handle it, no problem. For the lack of jumperoos, etc. this was actually a plus in our book. It means more interaction with a caregiver and other babies, less interaction with a plastic (please forgive them term as it isn't meant to be derogatory but I can't think of a better one) "babysitter". Whenever our daycare used boppies it was to support them laying down under an activity mat, or stacked when they were learning to sit (instead of a bumbo, which I preferred) and there was always a caregiver sitting next to them for additional support and adjustment. Having the older babies have to learn to be careful and gentle with the littler babies is a plus to me. It also gives the younger babies an example to follow for development.</p> <p>For the food, that one is totally in your court as to what is acceptable. For me some goldfish and crackers, etc. as a snack isn't a big deal because I control breakfast and dinner. I also imagine your pedi might be saying the same thing as far as some kind of table food (mum mums and cheerios are just an easy to come by option that seems to go over well with babies) by 10 months. Do they have an option once or twice a year to take a survey to look for improvement areas where you and other parents can request/suggest more fresh fruits rather than processed carbs? The ice cream I would definitely not be a fan of but can you ask maybe your LO get a fruit popsicle instead?</p> <p>I'd suggest touring a few more daycares and get a flavor for options in your area to see if what you are hearing from this first one is on par or if there is more flexibility at other places that better suit you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/first-daycare-tour-yesterday-kind-of-conflicted#post-977507 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:11:05 +0000 DillonLion 977507@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would take the fact that there isn't a ton of toys all over the place as a good sign. Hopefully that means they are spending more time interacting with babies and not just leaving them in a jumperoo in the corner unattended. </p> <p>Our daycare has a mix of mobile/non-mobile babies and my LO has never had any adverse issues with it. I like that she is exposed to babies at different milestones. She can see and emulate older babies, and younger babies can see her and learn from her.</p> <p>As for food, most daycares are going to be doing carb-y snacks like that (which I'm not a fan of either). If you want higher quality food, you are going to have to provide it yourself or send them to a more expensive school. The cheerios comment was kind of weird, but I'd just brush it off. If you don't want her having cheerios, you can say no snacks like that and provide your own. </p> <p>I've committed to providing her with very nutritious food at home, so that balances out what she gets at daycare. The food is fine, but it isn't top of the line/organic/fresh kind of stuff every single day. But that's okay with me. </p> <p>I hope you find a daycare that works for you! Maybe this one is good besides those couple of concerns, or there is another one available to you guys that has a better attitude towards food. </p>