Transitioning Multiples to Daycare

TRANSITIONING MULTIPLES TO DAYCARE: WHAT TO EXPECT

We talked to Maria (Educational Leader) and Jess (Assistant Operational Coordinator) from Coburg Children’s Centre.

Starting daycare can be a big step for any child—and when you have multiples, there are a few extra considerations. Whether it’s adjusting to a new sleep environment or helping educators tell your little ones apart, we’ve got some insights from Maria, an experienced early childhood educator and fellow parent, to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Sleep in a New Environment

One of the biggest worries parents have is how their children will sleep in a daycare setting. At home, you might have carefully controlled sleep conditions—dark rooms, white noise, and familiar routines. So, what happens when that all changes?

The good news is that children are incredibly adaptable.

While the shared sleep space in a daycare may have more light and background noise than they’re used to, most children adjust surprisingly well. Their busy days, filled with interaction and play, naturally lead to a willingness to rest when the time comes. Some children take to the new environment instantly, while others need a little time—but in the end, sleep usually comes without too much struggle.

If you’re concerned, speak with your childcare provider about how they support sleep routines. Bringing in familiar comforters or sleep cues from home, like a favourite blanket or soft toy, can help ease the transition.

Telling Identical Twins Apart

If you have identical twins, you might wonder how daycare staff will tell them apart. Should you dress them differently? Will educators mix them up?

This is a very personal decision. Some families like to use different colours or accessories to help with identification, while others prefer to let their children express their twin identity as they choose. Some twins enjoy the fun of looking the same, while others appreciate having a distinct look to avoid being mixed up.

Fortunately, as relationships develop, educators quickly learn to tell twins apart. Individual personalities, subtle physical differences, and unique quirks soon become clear. Many carers even reach the point where they can’t believe they ever mixed them up in the first place.

Applying for Daycare and Waitlists

Finding the right daycare and securing a place for your children can be a daunting task, especially with waitlists and priority access guidelines to navigate.

Many childcare centres manage their own waitlists, and the process often begins with parents submitting basic details such as their child’s name, date of birth, and parent/carer contact information. Once registered, families typically receive a reference number for tracking their application.

Enrolment for the following year usually begins around August or September, starting with current families who are given the opportunity to retain or adjust their bookings. Next in line are siblings of enrolled children, followed by returning families, and finally, external waitlist families—depending on availability.

Offers are extended according to the Priority of Access guidelines set by the Department of Education. These prioritise children at risk of serious abuse or neglect, followed by children of single parents or families where both parents meet work, training, or study requirements. Additional priority is given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, families with a disabled member, low-income families, non-English- speaking households, socially isolated families, and single-parent families.

To improve your chances of securing a place, it’s a good idea to join waitlists as early as possible and keep in touch with the centre regarding availability and enrolment timelines.

Final Thoughts

The transition to daycare is a big step, but children— especially multiples—are more adaptable than we sometimes give them credit for. With a little preparation and patience, your little ones will soon settle into their new routine, forming bonds with their educators and thriving in their new environment. Applying early for daycare can also help reduce stress, ensuring that you secure a spot that best meets your family’s needs. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to chat with your daycare provider—they’re there to help!

This article was first published in NIMBA member newsletter Noah's Ark Issue 319 | March 2025