Infant Daycare Guide 2026: Care for Babies
Complete guide to infant daycare in 2026. What to look for in care for babies under 12 months.
Infant care requires special attention. Know what to look for when choosing care for your baby.
Key Considerations
| Factor | Why Important | |--------|---------------| | Low ratios | 1:3 or 1:4 ideal | | Primary caregiving | Same person daily | | Safe sleep | AAP guidelines | | Feeding support | Breast milk, formula | | Communication | Daily reports |
Environment
| Feature | What to See | |---------|-------------| | Separate infant area | Age-appropriate | | Safe cribs | Meets standards | | Calm atmosphere | Not overstimulating | | Clean | Sanitary practices |
Caregiver Qualities
| Quality | Why | |---------|-----| | Warm, responsive | Attachment | | Experienced | Knows infant needs | | Follows your lead | Respects preferences | | Good communicator | Partnership |
Questions to Ask
| Question | Learn | |----------|-------| | What's your infant ratio? | Supervision level | | Do you practice primary care? | Consistency | | How do you handle feeding? | Your preferences | | What's your sleep policy? | Safe sleep |
Resources
Last updated: December 2025