Choosing someone to care for your baby is a big step. Whether you’re heading back to work, school or just need part-time support, you want your baby to be safe, loved and well cared for—and you deserve peace of mind.

Why Quality Child Care Matters

The first five years are when your baby’s brain grows the fastest—and that growth is shaped by the people who care for them. Research shows babies thrive when they form strong bonds with a few loving adults. So it’s important that your baby has consistent caregivers who respond with warmth and attention.

Types of Child Care

Child Care Centers

These programs are often structured, licensed by the state and group children by age. Look for centers that are clean, safe and nurturing.

Home-Based Care

This is care in the provider’s home. Make sure they’re certified or regulated by the state and ask about their daily routines, safety practices and experience with infants.

Family, Friend and Neighbor Care (FFN)

Considered informal care, FFN care doesn’t require the same licensing and regulatory oversight as formal centers or homes. Caregivers can include grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors.

Finding the Right Caregiver Takes Time

• Start looking early. There may be a waiting list.
• Ask other parents about programs or caregivers they like. Or contact Child Care Resource and Referral.
• Make appointments to visit several centers or homes.
• You can search for programs that participate in Quality First, Arizona’s quality improvement and rating system for child care and early education.

When Your Baby is Sick

Keep your baby home when they are sick. If you get paid sick leave, you should be able to use it to care for your sick baby. Or arrange for a trusted relative or friend to stay with your baby.

Make Sure Your Caregiver Knows

• How to safely help your baby stop crying.
• To put your baby to sleep on their back in a safe crib.
• Who to call in an emergency.
• The name and phone number of your baby’s healthcare provider.
• Your baby’s health needs, allergies and medicines.

Injuries at Child Care

If your baby gets hurt at child care, licensed caregivers should give you a report about it. If you see scratches, cuts or bruises or your baby seems hungry or dirty, ask why. If you are not satisfied with the answer, call Childhelp at 1-800-422-4453 or the Arizona Child Abuse Hotline at 1-888-767-2445.

Child Care Checklist

Use the full Quality Child Care Checklist to help you evaluate.

• Will your baby be cared for by the same person most of the time?
• Is there at least one adult caregiver for every five babies?
• Do the babies seem happy and well cared for?
• Is the place clean and safe?
• Is the place for changing diapers away from the places for napping and eating?
• Does the caregiver always wash their hands before making food and after changing diapers?
• Does the caregiver follow all state rules to prevent the spread of infections?
• Will the caregiver always put your baby to sleep on their back in a safe crib?
• Will they hold your baby during feeding?
• Are you sure the caregiver will never hit or shake your baby?
• Will they hug, rock, cuddle and talk and sing to your baby?
• Are they trained or experienced in baby care?
• Is the caregiver trained in first aid and CPR?
• If your baby will be at the caregiver’s home, is it childproof and smoke-free?