In the United States, there is a shortage of high-quality infant-toddler child care. It is important to start your search for quality infant care as soon as you can. A quality infant care program should provide warm, responsive care focused on your child's individual needs. High-quality infant care includes caring for your baby’s physical needs (sleep, food, and physical comfort) as well as one-on-one interactions, playtime on the floor with your child, and rich, complex language. Be sure there are not too many babies for the caregivers to handle. The National Association of the Education for Young Children recommends a teacher-to-child ratio of one child care provider for four infants (1:4), and no more than 8 infants in a group. Each state has different legal teacher-child ratios, but remember that smaller ratios allow for more individualized attention and care. As you visit infant care programs, 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?” Watch how providers interact with the children. Are they warm and caring? Are the infants well supervised? Do providers encourage infants to explore? Look around to see what toys there are to play with. Are there inviting, soft areas where children can play? Ask about the provider's qualifications and training. The goal is for you to feel comfortable with the child care you select. Good child care is based on mutual respect and open communication between parents and child care providers. Find a caregiver who shares your values and goals for your child and who will love and nurture your child when he or she is not with you. Contact your local child care licensing agency or local Child Care Resource and Referral agency for a list of providers in your area who care for infants. Visit the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral agencies (NACCRRA) to locate your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (CCR&R). Ask other people you trust for referrals. Remember that quality child care can be found in a caregiver’s home, in a child care center, or from someone who comes into your own home. Look for a licensed child care center or home that is clean and safe. For more information about rules and regulations in your state, check out the State Child Care Licensing Regulations page.

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