Factors associated with the not adjusting of babies to daycare: From pregnancy to daycare entrance

Abstract

We aimed to identify factors associated with the not adjusting of babies to daycare, such as, baby's temperament, parents-baby relationship and beliefs and practices about alternative care. Participants were four families whose babies entered into daycare between 10 and 12 months of age and were removed by not adjusting as evaluated by their parents. Interviews were applied during pregnancy, and when the baby was three, eight and twelve months old. Qualitative content analysis indicated that the most relevant factors to understand the not adjustment were related to dynamics of parents-baby interaction, like: feelings related to separation and the way that parents experienced daycare center entrance. The results highlight the importance of promoting the acceptance of parents-baby separation in transition to daycare.