So, you're gearing up to send your little bundle of joy off to daycare for the very first time. The flood of emotions you're experiencing – the anxiety, the guilt, and the little pang of sadness – are all entirely normal in this incredible journey of motherhood.

Now, take a deep breath, because you're not alone in this adventure.

In this article, we're going to delve deep into the feeding perspective of transitioning your baby to daycare. We'll chat about everything from how much milk to send to daycare to prepping your baby (and yourself) for this monumental step.

So, grab a cozy spot, your favorite beverage, and let's embark on this journey together.

Let's dive deep into the heart of the matter – planning your baby's milk supply for daycare. We get it; it's a topic that can stir up a lot of questions and concerns. How much milk should you send? Do you need a freezer stash? These are just some of the things you’re likely asking yourself as you prepare for the transition.

Alright, let's tackle the first big question: How much milk should you pack for your little one's daycare adventure? Well, it's not a one-size-fits-all answer. It's more like a "depends on how long they'll be there" kind of deal.

Generally, newborns and infants need about 1 to 1.5 ounces of breastmilk for every hour they're away from you. But that's just an estimate, and every baby has different needs.

The real key here is communication – seek advice from your pediatrician and also talk it out with your daycare provider. They'll want to know your baby's feeding schedule and preferences to ensure they're well-nourished during their stay.

For a more detailed guide on storing breast milk for daycare, check out our blog.

Next up: the freezer stash debate – is it a must-do thing?

Well, not necessarily. Building up a freezer stash can be a bit time-consuming and might not fit into your bustling mom schedule. It's something to think about, but it's not set in stone.

If you do ultimately decide to work on a freezer stash, keep the Willow pump in mind, which makes it easier than ever.

If you want to explore this topic more and get some top-notch return-to-work tips, give this article a read.

Let's chat about something that's equally important in this daycare transition journey – preparing your baby for the big day. We all want our little ones to feel secure and content, especially when they're away from us. Teaching your baby to take a bottle and ensuring they have familiar items to comfort them are all important parts of this process.

Trust us; these small but significant preparations can make a world of difference in ensuring your baby feels right at home, even in a new environment.

So, let's dive in and help your baby build confidence and comfort in the daycare world.

This one's a biggie, mama. You definitely don't want your baby's first encounter with a bottle to be on their first day at daycare, right? Right.

So, what's the game plan?

Practice, practice, practice!

Start with bottle feeding baby on your own, and then gradually introduce other caregivers while you take a little breather. This helps your baby get used to feeding without you being the food source. And if you're planning to send formula, make sure your baby's on friendly terms with it before the big day arrives.

Most daycare centers allow you to send in family photos, so your baby can have a little piece of you with them during the day. Choose a few favorite items that carry your scent to send in also. Snuggle with those items so your unique smell sticks around.

Some popular items include:

• Sleep Sack
• Stuffed Animal or "lovey"
• Crib sheet that has your scent

Now, let's chat about you. Yes, you matter too!

This transition to daycare isn't just a milestone for your baby; it's a pretty big deal for you, too. You might be dealing with separation anxiety or a guilt trip that seems never-ending. It's totally normal, so please try to give yourself a break. Turn to your village in this transitional time. Talk it out with friends who've been there, done that, and take some time for self-care.

You've got this!

Our blog is packed with resources, including tips on breastfeeding, pumping, and returning to work. We understand the feels that come with this transition and want you to know you're not alone. Join our community of amazing moms who are all about sharing their experiences and supporting one another.

The Willow breast pump is your ultimate ally in simplifying the process of pumping breast milk for your baby, especially when daycare is on the horizon. With its innovative and discreet design, the Willow pump allows you to express milk conveniently, whether you're at home, at work, or even on the go.

Say goodbye to the hassle of wires and tubes – Willow is wireless and fits right into your bra, giving you the freedom to pump whenever and wherever you need to. It's the perfect solution to help you build up that milk stash for daycare while seamlessly integrating into your daily life.

So, make your journey into motherhood a whole lot easier with Willow – because every drop counts. Take the first step and discover how Willow can revolutionize your breastfeeding and pumping experience today.