Do your homework before choosing a childminder

AS a first-time parent, transitioning back to work and finding appropriate care for one’s baby is a stressful and difficult process.

But it crucially important to find the right person and environment for one’s child as many child care operations in Zululand are not registered under the Child Care Act and do not adhere to stipulated regulations.

I had to learn this the hard way before taking my child out of a so-called reputable operation last month.

When I fetched my baby at the end of the day, she had a bruise on her cheek, did not smell well and the carers were unable to tell me how many feeds she had been given.

After chatting to health professionals, I also discovered that a day care centre in Richards Bay had been shut down a few years ago when the childminder had given anti-depressant pills to babies to synchronise their sleep patterns.

I was horrified that the very people entrusted with caring for our children could be so ruthless and negligent.

Taking a child to an unregistered day care centre or crèche is a huge risk and parents must think of the consequences.

About six years ago a five-month-old baby from the Western Cape fell from a bed at an unregistered day care centre and subsequently died.

An accident can happen at registered facilities too, but taking a child to a registered facility is in the best interest of the child and parent.

The registration procedures ensure that minimum standards are adhered to.

A parent has a right to ask for a registration certificate of the facility at any point. Your childminder must be able to prove that he/she can provide a safe and stimulating environment for your child.

Rather be safe than sorry.

CLUED UP PARENT