Questions for childminder - DS starting in June

[mama01]

Hi all, found a lovely childminder who was recommended to me by another mum. Already visted and reserved a place for my DS who'll be going four days a week but going to visit again so my DP can meet her and to sort out a few bits and pieces.

I have a few questions to ask when we're there and would like to know from other mumsnetters what I can expect. For a start where will my DS sleep (he'll be 5mo when he starts). Are cots normal or do some CMs let them sleep in pushchairs? Also he's unlikely to be weaned when he starts so this task will fall to the CM. Is it ok to expect them to be happy with BLW as this is what I'd like to try with him?

DS not on a bottle yet so I've never left him with anyone for more than a couple of hours. (Left it too late after him taking a bottle early doors but am going to try again later on this month....) I'm confident I'll be ok at leaving him when the time comes but does anyone have any tips for settling him in at CM's? Happy to start him going there before I actually start back at work so he can have short spells there. Is this a good idea?

Finally if anyone has any other issues I need to sort out with CM on this next visit I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

Hi,

Firstly all cm, like all parents, do things slightly differently and have different opinions on things. The cm will be happy to reassure you on all the above I'm sure.

If it were me.....

Sleep, I have travel cots for naps but it is helpful if little ones are allowed to sleep in the pushchair as we like to be out and about. I follow what mum and LO want and need so if LO will only settle being rocked in a pushchair that is fine by me equally if Lo will only sleep in the dark, in silence, in a cot, I would do my very best to do that too.

Re BLW I have no experience of this as did the traditional mush route with my own but would not dismiss the idea. I'd be happy to do this if that was what you wanted.

Settling in times with me are totally dependant on what mum and LO need. At 5 months he has not reached seperation anxiety stage yet so will be easy to settle. As a mum though it will take you a few weeks to relax and concentrate at work properly so for that reason I would recommend a few sessions gradually leaving him longer and longer until you feel confident.

HTH

Thanks for response.

That's fine about the pushchair - he goes to sleep much more easily in it than his cot during the day for obvious reasons. He went down fairly easily in his cot today for a change and I was so pleased with myself!

mama01 - I'm sure the childminder will have been through all this before with previous parents and feeding routines etc.

Hopefully she will be able to work with you and help guide you re feeding and sleeping situations.

Believe me, six months down the line and you will be wondering what all the worry was about!