There are many reasons to change your child care provider. You may find one of higher quality or one that is more convenient. But how will this change affect your baby?
Babies need more regularity and consistency in their lives than the rest of us do, especially when it comes to the people who meet their everyday needs. A baby needs to trust the people he counts on. This trust forms the basis for good relationships later. Your baby will form this trust with you and others who meet his needs, including child care providers. It is important that your baby feel secure in every place he spends time.
When a baby has many different child care providers, he may have a hard time forming close bonds. He needs a provider who will care for his needs quickly and sensitively, someone he will learn to trust.
Toddlers and preschoolers still like consistent providers. Some turnover in providers is O.K., but too many changes can be stressful for them. So try to find a provider who enjoys your child and will be available regularly. If you need to change providers for a good reason, that's O.K. Your child will adjust. But try to limit the number of changes.
