It's Monday morning, and your child has a slight cough. Is that enough to keep them home, or can they go to daycare? This is a dilemma most parents know all too well.
Children in daycare get sick an average of 6–8 times a year during the first years. That's normal and part of the immune system's development.
The Main Rule
The most important rule is simple: Your child should stay home if they're too sick to participate in regular activities. A child who is tired, feverish, or clearly unwell needs rest and care — not a busy daycare day.
Most daycares have their own illness guidelines. Ask for a copy when you start, and check the daycare's website.
Illness by Illness: When to Keep Your Child Home
Fever
- Home if the child has a fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- Back when the child has been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication
Never give fever-reducing medication to send your child to daycare. The fever is there for a reason, and the child needs rest.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
- Home with vomiting or diarrhea
- Back no earlier than 48 hours after the last episode (the 48-hour rule)
- Norovirus and rotavirus are highly contagious
Cold and Cough
- Can go if the child is in good overall condition — a little runny nose and mild cough is okay
- Home if the child is clearly tired, has a severe cough, or has a fever
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
- Bacterial (yellow/green discharge): Home until antibiotic drops have been started
- Viral (clear, watery): Can often attend with good hand hygiene
Chickenpox
- Home until all blisters have crusted over (5–7 days after the last new blister)
- Notify the daycare immediately
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
- Home while the child has a fever or is in poor overall condition
- Can return when fever-free and able to participate
Lice
- Can go after the first treatment has been completed
- Notify the daycare so other parents can check their children
Overall Condition Is Key
More important than the symptoms is the child's overall condition:
- Is the child eating and drinking normally?
- Is the child able to play and participate?
- Does the child have enough energy for a full daycare day?
- Did the child sleep reasonably well last night?
If the answer is no to several of these, the child should stay home.
If you're unsure, call the daycare and describe the symptoms. They have experience evaluating this.
The 48-Hour Rule
Applies specifically to vomiting and diarrhea: The child must be symptom-free for 48 hours before returning. Recommended by the CDC and most public health organizations.
Illness in Daycare: Is It Normal?
Yes. Typical illness frequency:
- First year in daycare: 8–12 infections
- Second year: 6–8 infections
- Third year and beyond: 3–5 infections
Children who have attended daycare tend to have fewer sick days once they start school.
Prevention
- Hand hygiene — the single most important factor
- Teach the child to cough into their elbow
- Adequate sleep and a varied diet
- Plenty of outdoor play
- Follow the recommended vaccination schedule
Your Rights When Your Child Is Sick
In many countries, parents are entitled to:
- Paid sick child days — Check your local laws and employer policies
- Unpaid leave — Most employers must allow reasonable time off for a sick child
- Family and Medical Leave — May apply for serious or extended illness
Check with your employer and local labor laws for specific entitlements in your area.
When Should You Contact a Doctor?
Contact your pediatrician or urgent care if the child:
- Has a fever over 102.2°F (39°C) for more than 3 days
- Is very lethargic or difficult to rouse
- Refuses to drink or has dry diapers
- Has a rash that doesn't blanch when pressed
- Has rapid or labored breathing
Call emergency services (911) if the child has difficulty breathing, is hard to wake, or has bluish skin color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child go to daycare with green snot?
Green snot alone doesn't mean the child needs to stay home. What matters is the overall condition.
My child is always sick — is that normal?
Yes, especially in the first year. The immune system needs time to build up.
Does my child need to be 100% healthy?
No. A child who is a bit sniffly but otherwise in good shape can attend. The requirement is that the child can manage to participate in regular activities.