#1 Feeding schedules and using a bottle
Try to transition your baby to a consistent feeding schedule before returning to work.  Most babies will always listen to their tummy clock and eat when it's time to be fed.  Breastfed babies will need be able to take a bottle while in care. Please start early and have daddy or another person help with this.
 Some babies have a hard time taking a bottle when there is a lot of activity and noise around them. You can practice by feeding with the TV on or turning on the radio and playing to exciting music. Feed baby when you go to a restaurant or other loud and busy places.
 
#2  Getting Baby to Sleep in a Crib
Some babies only want to sleep while being held in warm and loving arms.  Anyway, who doesn't want to cuddle a sleeping baby?
However, as we have several babies we are caring for, this is not a practical option for us.
The state of Texas requires that babies sleep in cribs and on their back (until they can roll over on their own) in order to reduce the risk of SIDS. The best way to help a baby accept sleeping in a crib is to continuously to offer it to her.  We will lay your baby in her crib each time she sleeps and soothe her to try and help with a smooth transition.
Additionally, many states mandate that a baby is not to be swaddled or placed in a crib with a blanket while at daycare.  We can however use sleep sacks and the babies love them.
 
#3 Transition to child care
Sometimes older babies have a harder time transitioning into child care and separating from their mothers (separation anxiety can start for some babies around 6 months of age).  However, the younger your baby is, the more comfortable she will be transitioning to daycare.
During your final week of maternity leave, consider starting your baby with half days at daycare. 
This can help ease both the parents and the baby into the new routine.   
 
#4 Names!
Please, please, label all of your baby's belongings. Many items are the same or similar as that of another child’s we need your help to make sure all of your child’s belongings stay with your child.
 
#5 Prepare your mind for illness to happen
Germs are everywhere, and the best cleaner in the world only kills 99.99% of germs, so there's always that one little bugger (that .01%) that will not go away.  We work very hard to disinfect toys and surfaces throughout the day.  Even still, your baby will likely get sick at some point.  You may even get sick too.  Try to mentally prepare for this, and we will get through it together.