First and foremost, care centers should have a special section just for infants. They should be able to crawl and move freely without the fear of being stepped on by older kids. Cribs should always be in safe, secure places and unsafe items like balloons and small objects should be kept away at all times.

Ask your provider how bottles are cleaned and how breast milk is dispensed. Ask how many infants are cared for at one time. Look around to make sure there are soft areas for teachers to sit when the babies need rocking. Make sure there are no walkers, swings or jumpers around because no restraint type furniture is ever allowed in day care centers. Most importantly, babies need touch. Make sure your baby will be held when fed, and touched and cuddled by loving, caring hands.

Go to the CCLD Facility Search Forum for a list of licensed Infant Care Facilities.

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