Before signing your baby up for child care, visit the facility and assess whether or not they offer high-quality care. Pay attention to how the caretakers interact with the babies in their care. They should be physically and verbally present with the babies all day. The program should also provide age-appropriate toys that don’t pose a safety choking hazard.

Remember that babies are curious and they’re going to want to touch and chew anything they can get their tiny hands on. Baby proof your home by getting on your hands and knees and crawling around like an infant. This will help you see things from their perspective. Take care of exposed electrical sockets, chords and anything that can be yanked down from a table and fall on your baby.

You should never leave your baby alone during bath time. If you have to leave the bathroom for even a minute, take the baby with you. It’s too dangerous to leave a baby unattended near water as they could slip and drown. Always check the temperature of the water before placing your baby in the tub. Try not to use water that’s any hotter than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s important for child care programs to keep ratios in mind when it comes to all children, but especially babies. Babies are unable to care for themselves in any way or ask for what they need. Remember that the state of Indiana mandates a ratio of a minimum of 1 adult for every 3-4 infants.

Be sure your child care program is equipped with age-appropriate toys and products for babies and read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Clean and sanitize toys that will be shared among babies to minimize the spread of germs.

Make sure your sleep policies are up to date and in line with national and state guidelines. In Indiana, babies are no longer allowed to be swaddled in child care settings. Babies should always be laid to sleep on their backs in a crib with sheets that fit tightly against the mattress.