Infant Rooms at Day Care Centers

Finding affordable, high-quality child care is one of the most stressful experiences for new parents. When looking for infant care, consider family day care or in-home care, as well as day care centers. Some families opt to trade babysitting or share a nanny. Non-profit day care centers, such as those run by a university or religious organization, may have more resources than for-profit centers.

Human Factor

• Child care workers who specialize in infant care understand the unique needs of babies and enjoy spending time cuddling and nurturing them. Choose an infant room with experienced professionals. Another factor to consider is the number of children for which each adult is responsible. Rules regarding child-to-adult ratios vary from state to state, but in general, infant rooms should have no more than six to eight children with two to three adults.

Health and Safety

• Sit on the floor of the infant room with your baby and take a look around. From this angle, you can quickly determine if the room is safe. Are furniture corners padded and electrical outlets covered? Are toys appropriate for an infant's developmental level? Ask about the policy for sick children, as well as how often the room and equipment are disinfected. Child care workers should wear gloves and disinfect the changing table after every diaper change.

Educational Environment

• As infants grow, they need opportunities to learn and explore. A good infant room should include sturdy board books, mirrors and age-appropriate toys. More importantly, caregivers should actively engage with infants, talking and playing with them throughout the day, while also recognizing an infant's need for rest and quiet time.