Gym Daycare Services for Your Child

Using a gym daycare is often the only way that parents of small children can find time to work out (not to mention take a shower in peace). But before you sign on the dotted line, or drop your little one off for the first time, check out the gym's childcare service carefully. At a minimum, you'll want to ask these questions:

Is My Child Eligible for Gym Daycare?

Find out whether there is an age minimum (or maximum). Some gym childcare rooms require kids to be toilet-trained before they can be dropped off. If you plan to run or walk near the gym (but not inside it), find out if leaving the facility while your child is in care is allowed. Often, it isn't, so you'll need to be prepared to stick with the equipment and group fitness classes inside the gym.

What Are the Daycare Hours of Operation?

When is the childcare room open, and is there a limit to the number of kids allowed in at a time, or the amount of time a child can stay? Do you have to book in advance? If it's a first-come, first-served drop-off, be sure to stop by the gym to observe at the time you'll typically be working out. If there's a lineup of frustrated parents outside the door, unable to use the childcare, think seriously about whether you can change your schedule—or find a new gym. After all, this can make or break your workout.

How Much Does the Gym Daycare Cost?

Are childcare services included in your gym membership fees, or do they cost extra? It's common for gyms to charge a few dollars an hour for this service, so don't be turned off totally. After all, you'd pay much more to a private sitter at your home. Just factor this cost into your overall family budget.

How Are Employees Trained and Screened?

At a minimum, gym childcare staff should undergo a criminal background check and be trained in CPR and first aid. Beyond that, it's helpful if they (or at least their supervisors) have some training in child development. Visit the childcare room to observe the caregivers in action. Do they play with the kids? Are there age-appropriate toys and activities available? Are young children watching too much TV?

What Is the Ratio of Kids to Caregivers?

The smaller the number, the better; kids get more individual attention, and are safer in case of emergency. The Administration for Children and Families recommends no more than 3 or 4 infants per adult, 3-6 young toddlers (1-2 years old) per adult, 4-6 older toddlers per adult (2-3 years old), 6-10 preschoolers per adult (3-5 years old), and 10-12 school-age children per adult. Ask how the gym childcare maintains ratios. Do they have on-call staff in case of a large group of kids, or do they turn children away if there aren't enough teachers present? It's important to ask because gym childcare services are not usually subject to state childcare licensing rules (which, among other things, regulate staff-child ratios).

Is the Facility Clean and Safe?

Visit and perform a five-senses test. Is the space visually appealing and clean, with toys and furniture in good repair? Does it smell clean (OK, maybe not right by the diaper pail)? Do you hear a buzz of happy activity, or kids crying and caregivers scolding? Are surfaces warm, safe, and inviting? If snacks are served, are they healthy and age-appropriate?

What Are the Policies?

Ask about guidelines for snacks and diapering. Some gym daycares won't change kids' diapers at all. Your child will need to wait until you return to be changed, or you will be paged and asked to come to the gym to do the job. Or they may request that kids wear disposable diapers only.

Trust Your Instincts

If, even after you've answered these questions satisfactorily, you don't feel comfortable with the childcare service, move on. Ask for recommendations from other parents, or find an alternative (such as trading childcare with a friend or hiring a babysitter). Nerves and separation anxiety are normal, but if your gut tells you something isn't right, pay attention.