Health Tip: Saying Goodbye to Your Child at Day Care

Dropping off your child at day care can be emotional for parents and little ones. But there are things you can do to help make the experience easier.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these suggestions:

• For infants, remember that what they need is comfort and basic care. Your baby should transition when the infant's needs are met by a daycare provider.
• For older infants, strangers may be frightening. Create a goodbye routine and stay consistent each day.
• For children between the ages of 1 and 2, separation anxiety is at its peak. Be reassuring that you will return. But once you leave, don't come back to the room.