Finding infant care in Laurel, MD can feel overwhelming, especially when you are also getting ready to go back to work. The short version: start looking early, choose a licensed program with warm, consistent caregivers and small groups, ask detailed questions about feeding, sleep and communication, and tour in person before you decide. Infant spots fill quickly in Howard and Prince George’s counties, so it pays to begin your search months ahead.
This guide covers what good infant care looks like, the questions to ask, and how to find an opening near Laurel.
What great infant care looks like
Warm, consistent caregivers
Babies thrive on relationships. The best infant care gives your baby the same caregivers every day, people who learn their cues, routines and what soothes them.
Your baby’s schedule, not a group schedule
Infants should eat, sleep and play on their own rhythm. Ask how the program follows each baby’s individual routine and how they handle bottles, breast milk and starting solids.
Safe sleep, every time
Babies should be placed on their backs to sleep in a safe crib with no loose blankets, pillows or toys. Ask how sleep is supervised.
Lots of talking, reading and floor time
Babies learn language by hearing it. Look for caregivers who talk, sing and read to babies throughout the day and give them supervised tummy time and floor play to build strength.
Clear communication with parents
You should know how your baby ate, slept and spent their day. Ask how and how often you will get updates.
Questions to ask when touring infant daycare
- How many babies does each caregiver look after?
- Will my baby have the same caregivers every day?
- How do you follow each baby’s feeding and nap schedule?
- How do you store and handle breast milk and formula?
- What are your safe-sleep practices?
- How do you communicate with parents during the day?
- What is your policy when a baby is sick?
- Is the program licensed or registered with the state of Maryland?
- How do you help babies and parents with the transition into care?
When to start looking for infant care
As soon as you can. Many parents start searching during pregnancy because infant openings are limited. If you need care sooner, call programs directly and ask about current openings, since smaller home daycares sometimes have spots when larger centers are full. Read more about how early to start looking for daycare and what age a child should start daycare.
Infant care at a home daycare vs. a center
Many families choose a licensed home daycare for their baby because of the smaller group, quieter setting and consistent caregivers. Centers offer separate infant rooms and more staff. Both can be excellent. Compare them in our guide to home daycare vs. a daycare center.
Easing your baby into daycare
- Visit together before the first day.
- Share your baby’s routines, feeding schedule and comfort items with caregivers.
- Start with a few shorter days if you can.
- Expect some extra sleepiness and fussiness the first couple of weeks while your baby adjusts.
Our tips on helping a child adjust to daycare can help you prepare.
Frequently asked questions
What age can a baby start daycare in Maryland?
Many babies start infant care between 6 and 12 weeks old, when a parent returns to work. Ask each program the youngest age they accept.
How much does infant care cost in Laurel, MD?
Infant care is usually the most expensive age group because babies need the most one-on-one attention. Prices vary by program type and schedule, so call programs directly for current rates. Learn what affects daycare pricing.
How do I find infant care with an opening right now?
Call local programs directly, check Maryland Family Network’s LOCATE: Child Care service for programs with vacancies, and ask smaller licensed home daycares, which sometimes have openings when centers have waitlists.
Infant care at Busy Minds Daycare in Laurel
Busy Minds Daycare is a licensed home daycare at 11305 Castlewood Ct in Laurel, MD 20723 caring for children ages 0 to 5, including infants. Babies get warm, responsive care in a small group, with plenty of holding, talking, singing, reading and floor play, and parents get regular updates. We are open Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:30pm. Read about our infant care program and what parents say, then schedule a free tour or call (301) 646-5275 to ask about current infant openings.
