Daycare Dilemma

My babies go to my mil's church's daycare. She's good friends with the director and some of the staff. I love the people there. I've gotten to know the director a bit through my mil and she's a lovely woman however she can get a bit brusque you might say when someone "challenges" her.
I've received a form to sign giving the daycare permission to give the babies a bottle in the crib when the babies are coordinated/old enough to hold the bottle themselves. I don't want to sign it. I don't want them to have a bottle in the crib. The AAP advises against it (bottle rot, possible ear infections and what-have-you). Plus I want my babies to get adult interaction as often as possible. I don't want them put in their cribs while they eat. So how do I tell this woman that without getting her guard up or sounding like I know better than she how to take care of kids?

TIA
Christy

 

They are your kids, you should be able to tell whoever is caring for them what you prefer for them. Are you paying this woman?

 

You are the momma and if they do not do as you ask then you can always find another place for them to attend daycare. You do not have to sign any documents that may be putting your children at risk for any sickness. All you need to say is that you will not sign the document because you do not believe in giving bottles to your children in their beds for (specified reasons). If she rises up against your wishes let her know that you will not sign again. If she continues to question you I would find another daycare. I know that you know her and all but it is ultimately your decision not hers as to the care of your children no matter how well you or your mother knows this person.

I pray that you fly through this issue with flying colors!
Meshell

 

Honestly, I most definately wouldn't sign it either. It's a bad habit to start and it definately is a proven fact that putting a baby to bed with a bottle (of milk?? I'm guessing) is not good for an infant's teeth, why start a bad habit? You really want them to be able to self soothe for nap/bedtime rather then needing that bottle to do so.

 

QUOTE(Shadyfeline @ Mar 18 2008, 07:19 PM) [snapback]675718[/snapback]
Honestly, I most definately wouldn't sign it either. It's a bad habit to start and it definately is a proven fact that putting a baby to bed with a bottle (of milk?? I'm guessing) is not good for an infant's teeth, why start a bad habit? You really want them to be able to self soothe for nap/bedtime rather then needing that bottle to do so.


I would not sign it either. I would hope that she would respect you enough to respect your decision on this matter! Good Luck!

 

I'd let her know verbally that your Pediatrician advises against that and if she insists then put it in writing and find another Day Care. Its just not a good idea to put a baby down with a bottle!

 

QUOTE(Twinsanity+3 @ Mar 18 2008, 08:40 PM) [snapback]675923[/snapback]
I'd let her know verbally that your Pediatrician advises against that and if she insists then put it in writing and find another Day Care. Its just not a good idea to put a baby down with a bottle!


This is exactly what I was going to say. The fact that you have to sign a waiver about it says something. You don't have to sign anything and ultimately you are the mom no matter how 'brusque' she is when confronted. GL!

 

Blame it on your pediatrician if you don't want to make waves.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I am going to blame my ped.

The reason I'm worried about addressing the issue rather than just switch daycares is quality daycare in my area is scarce. I live in the suburbs of "post Katrina New Orleans". I read a study in the paper last year that stated less than 20% of daycares in the N.O. area re-opened after Katrina. (My older ds' was not one of those which is why I'm at a new place.) All those kids had to go somewhere which is why waiting lists of 5-8 months are quite common in this area and that's for a single baby. My twins were 8 weeks early. That put me going out on leave and returning back to work 8 weeks earlier than originally planned. The daycare I had lined up couldn't accomodate the earlier time frame which left me scrambling. I was very lucky to know the director of this daycare. She was able to move 2 babies up to make room for my 2. I know a woman who registered at this daycare last week - the same week she found out she was pregnant. So up and moving the babies just isn't an option right now - at least not without serious cause...which may yet happen. Thanks again for the suggestions. I feel pretty comfortable with this approach.

Christy