When To Start Looking for Daycare During Pregnancy (and Why It’s Earlier Than You Think)

Becoming a parent is exciting, overwhelming and life-changing. There’s so much to learn—about pregnancy, labor and delivery alone—that figuring out when to get on daycare waitlists may seem a little, well, premature. But you may be surprised to learn that it’s not.

Experts recommend beginning your daycare search in the first trimester. This is earlier than many parents expect, but infant spots at the best daycares are limited. With high demand, long waitlists and finite infant spots, it can take months, or even a year, before a daycare accepts your child. 

Now that you know when to start looking for daycare during pregnancy, you can make sure your baby is at the top of the waitlist. Let’s dig in.

Key Takeaways

• For infant care, experts recommend starting your daycare search in the first trimester. In fact, some families add their names to daycare waitlists at 10–12 weeks pregnant.
• The best programs fill quickly. Waiting until after birth often means missing your preferred start date or having to settle for another daycare option.
• A trimester-by-trimester approach keeps the process manageable without overwhelming a busy pregnancy.

Why Daycare Waitlists Are Longer Than You’d Expect

Knowing how early to look for daycare means knowing the causes of long waitlists. First, regulations strictly limit the ratio of caregivers to infants. In Minnesota, the ratio is 1:4 (one adult for every four infants) in a licensed childcare center. Because of this, there’s a limited number of infant spots.

As parents seek out the best spots, infant care programs fill up fast. Most operate at or near full capacity in cities across the country, including the Twin Cities metro. Waitlists at the most sought-after centers can be anywhere from 6 to 18 months. The earlier you start looking, the more choices you’ll have.

When To Start Looking for Daycare: A Trimester-by-Trimester Timeline

The idea of waitlists filling up can feel especially overwhelming at an already overwhelming time. But taking things trimester-by-trimester can help things feel more manageable.

We’ve created a framework to help guide you. It’s only a guide; there’s no firm rule about when to start looking for daycare during pregnancy. Your actual timeline will depend on your return-to-work date, the type of care you want, local availability and more.

First Trimester (Weeks 1–13): Start Your Research

The first trimester is all about collecting information. Research programs online and ask for recommendations from other parents. Identify and document your top priorities—things like: 

• A convenient location near home or work
• Program type and reputation
• Availability of bilingual or language learning 
• Hours of care

Some programs allow you to get on the waitlist in your first trimester. Go ahead and sign up if you feel confident, but don’t worry if you’re not. There’s still time.

Second Trimester (Weeks 14–27): Tour and Apply

The second trimester is your active phase. Schedule tours at several different childcare centers. Ask about the program quality and curriculum. Explore play areas, and ask them about a typical day at their center. 

We encourage you to check out a few different centers in the hopes that you’ll find one that feels a bit more like home. And we’d love for you to tour Casa de Corazón to see if we’re a good fit! 

As you visit more daycare centers, you’ll get a better idea of which places feel right. This is when to get on daycare waitlists. Narrow your list, and submit applications to your top choices. 

Third Trimester (Weeks 28–40): Confirm and Prepare

The third trimester is for finalizing plans. Confirm your baby’s enrollment and complete all the necessary paperwork. As the day approaches, make sure you understand the first-day transition process and connect with any family communication tools or apps your daycare uses.

If you haven’t gotten on a waitlist yet, now is the time! It will be a little more difficult than if you’d started earlier, but it’s not impossible. Plenty of good options will still have space.

What To Look For When Touring a Daycare

You’ve scheduled visits at several daycare centers. But what should you look for? Here’s a practical checklist of what to evaluate.

• Caregiver-to-infant ratio: Make sure the center meets or exceeds state requirements. Also, pay attention to the ratios you witness while there.
• Staff warmth and responsiveness:Do staff seem to genuinely enjoy their time with kids? Do the kids seem happy and close with teachers? Are caregivers responsive to kids’ expressed and implied needs?
• Environment: Make sure the space is clean and free of safety concerns. Look for toys that encourage stimulating and open-ended play, like play kitchens, blocks and dress-up items. Ask about access to the outdoors.
• Daily routine and curriculum: Make sure learning is intentional and age-appropriate. Classroom schedules and activities should be clear.
  Communication: Most daycare centers use apps to communicate with parents. How will this center keep you updated during the day? What are their emergency protocols?
• Meals and nutrition: Are meals provided, and are they nutritious? What’s the food policy?
• Language or enrichment programs: Look for specialized offerings during these critical years of growth and development.
• Licensing and accreditation: Ask about whether the center uses a NAEYC-approved curriculum. Also, check their state licensing status to make sure they’re properly licensed.

Questions To Ask During a Daycare Tour

It can be easy to get sidetracked during a tour, and bringing a list of questions can help ensure you get all the information you need. Here’s one you can build on:

1. What’s your infant-to-caregiver ratio, and how does it change as the children grow?
2. What does a typical day look like for an infant?
3. How do you communicate with parents throughout the day?
4. What is your sick child policy?
5. What is your staff turnover rate, and how long have current infant teachers been here?
6. Do you offer a transition plan for the first week?
7. What’s included in tuition? Does it include meals, supplies or curriculum materials?
8. Are there sibling discounts or assistance programs available?
9. When should I get on a daycare waitlist, and can I do so now?

What Happens if You’re Starting Your Search Late?

If you just Googled “when to look for daycare while pregnant” and have already had your baby, don’t lose hope. Finding a daycare at this stage can be hard, but it’s not impossible! Daycares sometimes have new vacancies, and spots open up unexpectedly.

You can take steps to accelerate your search. Look for daycare centers in places you hadn’t considered before. If you looked near home, for example, check out some locations near your work. 

Consider temporary options, too. You might be able to find one until your first choice opens up. It’s okay to ask programs directly about their cancellation lists, too. The more information you have, the better. You’ve got this!

Frequently Asked Questions About Finding Daycare During Pregnancy

When Is Too Late To Start Looking for Daycare During Pregnancy?

Not sure when to start looking for daycare during pregnancy? The great news is that it’s never too late. However, waiting until the third trimester or later can limit your choices. We recommend starting as early as possible. 

How Long Are Daycare Waitlists?

Daycare waitlists can range anywhere from a couple of months to over a year. It’s a good idea to get on multiple lists just in case a spot doesn’t open up at your first choice.

Can You Tour a Daycare While Pregnant?

Yes, you can tour a daycare while pregnant. In fact, that’s what most expectant parents do! Touring while pregnant is ideal because you’ll have time to compare daycares and choose what’s right for you without pressure.

What Should I Look for in an Infant Daycare Program?

The best infant daycare programs offer low child-to-staff ratios, experienced and warm caregivers, intentional curriculum, healthy food and good parent communication.

The Sooner You Start, the More You Can Choose

When you’re choosing the right daycare, starting early is best. Early action gives your family more options. It also brings peace of mind. You’ll feel reassured knowing that a high-quality daycare center is holding a place for your baby, ready to provide care when you need it.

If you’re wondering when to start looking for daycare during pregnancy, now is the right time. We’d love for you to consider Casa de Corazón! Please see our locations and request a tour to learn more about our infant program and availability.