"We're in the transition phase with Xem, going from two naps to one nap per day. At home and at his grandparents' place, he now takes only one nap. We put him to bed around 11 a.m., and he sleeps for an hour and a half to two hours. But at the daycare center, where he goes two days a week, they put him to bed for a nap around 12:30 p.m. We found that challenging because we often brought home an overtired little boy. He wouldn't want to eat anymore, would have tantrums, and be completely exhausted. It made us wonder what was best for him.
Sleep struggles
It's helpful to discuss these things with Mady, one of Xem's regular caregivers at the daycare. We noticed that Xem was already too tired by the time he went to bed, not to mention the stimulation. On the days he's at home or with his grandparents, he naturally has fewer issues because it's much quieter there.
Consultation is key
Together with Mady, we worked on establishing a good sleep routine at the daycare center. He now goes to bed with the other children after lunch, around half-past twelve. And if he doesn’t sleep enough or can't manage the whole afternoon, we receive a message from Mady asking if it's okay for him to have a short nap later in the afternoon. It's always done in consultation, and we take it day by day. That's really great. Sometimes he manages fine with just one nap. Or he goes to bed in the morning instead.
Big smile
Xem absolutely loves being at Spelemaatjes. That's also the reason he no longer wants to sleep in the morning. He enjoys to play with the other children much more than sleeping. You can see that in the photos and videos shared through the app. He always has a big grin on his face. When I'm at work and see such a photo, it makes me very happy. You still leave behind your "everything."
Caring teachers
When we pick up Xem at the end of the day, he often doesn't even want to leave. That's another confirmation for me that it's a great place for Xem. With caring caregivers he adores, who are engaged and always willing to think along with you. Now it's about sleep, but in the future, it might be about potty training."
"We always consider the child's needs"
Mady, a pedagogical employee at Partou Rembrandtlaan in Voorhout, says, "At Partou childcare, we try to accommodate the child's sleep routine he’s used to at home as much as possible. We also consider the child's individual needs. This is especially important with babies who don't yet have a set sleep schedule. We tried to maintain two naps for Xem as well, but he simply didn't want to sleep in the morning. He would stay awake, so he usually went to bed after lunch. Coincidentally, he's now back to taking two naps because he truly needs it. That need is our starting point. If a child had a restless night or can't make it to lunchtime, or if they're feeling unwell and tired, it is always possible to sleep or rest extra. We keep parents informed through the app."
In collaboration with ‘Ouders van Nu’ (Today’s Parent)
Every day, ‘Ouders van Nu’ (Today’s Parent) selects interesting news from within and outside the country specifically for (expecting) parents. They focus on tidbits that make (expecting) parents better, happier, or wiser. This article was written in collaboration with ‘Ouders van Nu’.