If you are going back to work or school, start early to choose good child care. Quality infant care is friendly, warm and loving care. This can be found in a care giver’s home, in a child care center, or from someone who comes into your own home. It goes beyond caring for your baby’s need for sleep, food, and physical comfort. Look for a licensed child care center or home that is clean and safe. Be sure there are not too many babies for the caregiver to handle. Ask questions, such as “What will you do if my baby cries a lot?” “Do you take care of sick children?” “Will my baby have the same caregiver every day?” The goal is for you to feel as comfortable as you can about the child care that you select. Find a caregiver you have a good feeling about. Ask other people you trust for referrals. Contact the Child Care Resource and Referral in your state. Once someone begins taking care of your baby, make surprise visits during the day. Is the caregiver giving your baby special, loving attention? Good child care is based on mutual respect and open communication between parents and caregivers.

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