Article: How To Prepare Your Toddler For Childcare? (12-24 Months Guide)
How To Prepare Your Toddler For Childcare? (12-24 Months Guide)
By myduckling Editorial Team · Updated February 2026
Most Aussie parents wonder how to prepare toddlers for childcare—this expert 4-week guide covers routines, separation anxiety, and summer packing essentials for 12-24 month olds.
In this Article:
- Sending your toddler to childcare in 2026
- 4-Week Preparation Timeline
- Separation Anxiety Tips
- Daycare Routine for 1-Year-Old
- Learning Tower & Independence Gap
- Childcare Packing List for Summer
- When to Speak to Your GP
Sending your little one off to childcare is one of the biggest emotional milestones for Aussie families. With the 2026 "3 Day Guarantee" and Child Care Subsidy (CCS) changes encouraging many parents to return to the workforce this February, you are likely navigating paperwork, waiting lists, and a fair bit of anxiety.
While the enrolment forms might be sorted, the emotional preparation is often the hardest part. If you are feeling anxious, take a deep breath. This guide combines expert advice from Australian educators to help you navigate this transition with confidence.
📋 Key Takeaways
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Start Early: Begin adjusting routines 3-4 weeks before the first day.
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Sync Naps: Shift home nap times to align with the centre's 11:30 am - 12:00 pm schedule.
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Practice Independence: Use tools like a Learning Tower to practice hand washing.
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Red Flags: If separation anxiety causes regression for >2 weeks, consult a GP.
When should you start preparing for childcare?
The ideal timeframe to begin a childcare preparation routine is 3 to 4 weeks before your toddler’s first official day. This duration allows sufficient time to gradually shift a toddler's circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle) and meal times to match the childcare centre's routine without causing cortisol spikes or overtiredness.
Rushing this process in the final days is a common mistake. A slow, incremental approach helps toddlers feel secure rather than overwhelmed.
The 4-Week Preparation Timeline
To reduce "drop-off shock," follow this step-by-step timeline recommended by developmental experts:
|
Timeline |
Focus Area |
Actionable Step |
|
4 Weeks Before |
Sleep Routine |
Shift nap times to 12:00 pm. Move from pram naps to cot/bed naps. |
|
3 Weeks Before |
Social Eating |
Practice sitting at a table for morning tea and lunch without screens. |
|
2 Weeks Before |
Independence |
Encourage self-feeding and hand washing (see tools below). |
|
1 Week Before |
Separation |
Practice short separations (e.g., leaving them with grandma for 1 hour). |
|
The Night Before |
Organisation |
Pack the bag together and label every item with their name. |
How do I help my toddler with separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety is a completely normal part of child development, peaking often between 10 and 18 months. According to the Raising Children Network, the way you say goodbye sets the tone for the day.
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Build a Goodbye Ritual: Create a short, predictable routine. For example, "Two kisses, a high five, and Mummy will be back after afternoon tea."
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Don't Sneak Away: It might be tempting to leave when they are distracted, but this damages trust. Always say goodbye confidently.
What is a good routine for a 1 year old before daycare?
Childcare centres run on rhythm. Most Australian centres have lunch early (around 11:00 am - 11:30 am) and a nap immediately after.
If your toddler is currently grazing on snacks all day, they may struggle to adjust.
-
Week 1: Slowly move lunch earlier by 10 minutes every few days.
-
Week 2: Practice "communal eating." Centres encourage social eating, so practicing sitting at a table rather than wandering with food is a vital skill.
Creating a "Yes" Environment: The Independence Gap
One of the biggest challenges for toddlers entering childcare is the sudden expectation of independence. At the centre, sinks and chairs are child-sized. At home, everything is built for adults.
If your toddler is used to being lifted to the sink for every interaction, they may feel "helpless" when expected to do things themselves at the centre.
The Problem with Lifting (And How to Fix It)
Washing hands after nappy changes is a non-negotiable routine in Australian childcare. To practice this at home, lifting a heavy toddler to the sink repeatedly can be back-breaking.
This is where a Learning Tower becomes an essential developmental tool.
Unlike a high chair which restricts movement, a myduckling Adjustable Learning Tower allows your toddler to stand safely at counter height. This builds the exact core strength and gross motor balance they need for the active childcare environment.
By using a tower, you can invite your toddler to:
-
Practice Hand Hygiene: Wash their own hands at the sink (mimicking the centre's routine).
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Build "Practical Life" Skills: Help pack their own lunchbox, fostering a sense of ownership over their day.
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Stand Confidently: Strengthen leg muscles needed for outdoor play.
Note: Always ensure your furniture meets Australian Safety Standards. myduckling towers are crafted from FSC-certified wood and are designed to be tip-resistant.
What should I pack for childcare in February?
Since you are starting in February, you are hitting the peak of the Australian summer. Heat safety is critical. According to ACECQA guidelines:
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Sun Safety: A broad-brimmed hat (bucket or legionnaire style) is mandatory. Baseball caps are often not allowed.
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Spare Clothes: Pack at least 3 sets of breathable cotton or bamboo clothes.
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Wet Bag: For the inevitable wet/dirty clothes return.
When to speak to your GP (Red Flags)
While tears are normal, some signs warrant a professional opinion. According to Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, consider speaking to your Child Health Nurse or GP if:
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Your child is inconsolable for the entire day after 4 weeks of attendance.
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They stop eating or sleeping entirely at the centre.
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They show signs of physical regression (e.g., stopping walking) that last longer than 2 weeks.
Final Thoughts
Starting childcare is a transition for you as much as it is for your toddler. By preparing a consistent routine and fostering their independence with the right tools at home, you are giving them the best possible start.
You’ve got this!
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