The Infant Program
Ages 6 Weeks – 15 Months
Your baby's first year is filled with incredible development. In our nurturing Infant daycare program, experienced caregivers provide responsive, individualized care that supports healthy attachment, sensory exploration, and early learning in a calm, home-like environment.
Convenient locations in Lincoln Park and Logan Square.
Teacher Ratio
Above state requirements
7:30-6
Daily Hours
2, 3 or 5
Days/Week
Where Every Moment Matters
Creating a Foundation of Trust and Security
The first 15 months of life are extraordinary. Your baby is learning to trust, to communicate, to explore the world through all their senses. Every interaction matters. Every gentle response builds the foundation for healthy development.
Our Infant daycare program is designed to honor this critical stage. We keep our ratios low, our environment calm, and our routines flexible to follow your baby's natural rhythms. Your infant will be cared for by the same nurturing teachers every day, teachers who learn their unique personality, preferences, and developmental pace. This continuity creates the secure relationships babies need to thrive.
We're partners with you during these precious months. Through daily communication and real-time updates via the Tadpoles app, you'll never miss a moment, even when you can't be there. From first smiles to first steps, we're honored to be part of your baby's journey.
Our Approach to Infant Care
Responsive, Relationship-Based Care
We respond quickly and consistently to your baby's needs, building the trust and secure attachment that supports all future development.
Following Your Baby's Rhythm
We don't put infants on rigid schedules. We honor each baby's unique feeding and sleeping patterns, adjusting as they grow.
Rich Sensory Experiences
Age-appropriate materials that encourage exploration—textured fabrics, mirrors, safe household objects, music, and movement.
Constant Language & Connection
Teachers narrate their actions, sing songs, read books, and engage in face-to-face "conversations" that support language development.
Learning & Development in the First Year
Sensory Development
Tracking objects with eyes
Exploring textures and materials
Responding to sounds and music
Hand-eye coordination
Cause-and-effect understanding
Physical Growth
Tummy time to strengthen muscles
Rolling, sitting, crawling milestones
Fine motor skill development
Supported standing and first steps
Self-feeding exploration
Communication
Responding to familiar voices
Cooing, babbling, and gestures
Understanding simple words
First words emerging
Social smiling and connection
Social-Emotional
Secure attachment to caregivers
Expressing emotions clearly
Recognition of familiar faces
Comfort-seeking behaviors
Early empathy responses
Cognitive Skills
Object permanence development
Problem-solving attempts
Imitation of simple actions
Interest in cause and effect
Memory and recognition
Independence
Self-soothing strategies
Exploration within safe spaces
Expressing preferences clearly
Feeding skill development
Curiosity about environment
Our Infant Spaces & Safety
Dedicated Infant Room: Separate space designed specifically for babies, with soft surfaces, natural light, and calm acoustics.
Safe Sleep Practices: Individual cribs following AAP guidelines. "Back to sleep" positioning.
Age-Appropriate Materials: All toys and materials meet safety standards, cleaned and sanitized daily, rotated to maintain interest.
Bottle Prep & Storage: Dedicated kitchen area for formula preparation and breast milk storage, following strict hygiene protocols.
Secure & Clean: Daily deep cleaning, hospital-grade disinfection, separate diaper changing area with strict hygiene procedures.
Your Baby's Care Team
Our infant caregivers are experienced, nurturing professionals who understand the critical importance of these early months. They're CPR and First Aid certified, receive ongoing training in infant development, and commit to at least one year with us to ensure your baby has consistent, trusted relationships.
Experience & Training
Minimum 2 years infant care experience, early childhood education credentials, ongoing professional development in infant mental health and development.
Gentle & Responsive
Teachers who respond quickly to your baby's cues, speak gently and frequently, and understand that building secure attachment is their most important job.
Excellent Communicators
Daily written reports, dailyTadpoles updates, and open communication about your baby's development, milestones, and daily experiences.
Passionate About Babies
Our infant teachers choose this age group intentionally. They genuinely love caring for babies and take pride in supporting families during this precious stage.
Staying Connected Through Tadpoles
As a working parent, you want to feel connected to your child even when you can't be there. The Tadpoles app makes that possible with daily updates.
Photos & Videos:
See your baby's day unfold through photos and short videos. First smiles, tummy time, play moments—we capture it all.
Feeding & Diaper Logs:
Know exactly when your baby ate, how much they consumed, and every diaper change. Perfect for breastfeeding moms tracking supply.
Sleep Tracking:
See when and how long your baby napped. Helps you plan evening routines and understand their sleep patterns.
Milestone Moments:
When your baby reaches a new milestone, we document development and share our observations.
What You Need to Know
"Going back to work after maternity leave was heartbreaking, but finding For Your Child made it so much easier. The Tadpoles updates mean I can see my daughter throughout the day, and her teachers send the sweetest notes about her milestones. She's thriving, and I actually feel connected to her day even when I'm not there."
Emily R.
Mom of 9-month-old, Lincoln Park