You've painstakingly listened to your baby's cries day and night, responding to every little need or want, unable to distinguish between needs or wants. Even though the journey can feel a bit like a battle, when it finally comes time to let go you are still most worried about your kid's reaction.

It's understandable - your baby has had you taking care of food, entertainment, sleep, diaper changes, you name it. Being sent elsewhere, even for a few hours, will be a bit of an adjustment.

• Be Positive - What you're dreading may not actually be as bad as you've built it up in your head. Moms have a tendency to prepare for the worst.
• Prepare Your Kid - No matter how young they are, babies are wired to try to communicate with their parents. And that means they are constantly listening, no matter how little reaction you get.

  The key is giving your child notice far earlier than you'd expect. Showing up to a new environment with the kid, and then informing him/her on the spot is a recipe for surprise, to put it mildly. Often parents get so involved in thinking about the issues without trying to talk to the child.

  You can start a month or 2 before daycare. Explain what daycare will be like. Mommy and Daddy won't be there, but the teachers will. It will be a safe and fun environment. Mommy and Daddy will be back.

You might even find the strongest reaction and tears may actually be from you.