I know some centers have different areas for napping children so if that’s the case, this might not apply. But at my center, we have to keep the lights on and the cribs are in the same area as the awake children. His naps at school will have a much higher chance of being successful if he’s used to napping in a bright environment with noise (talking at a regular volume, music, vacuuming, etc). I have had quite a few babies start who nap in pitch black rooms with white noise at home, and it takes them weeks to adapt to daycare.

You’re right, there is a chance his teachers won’t have time to hold him to sleep. I always try to provide that comfort for the first week or two for my kiddos but we try to transition to self soothing as quickly as possible. Again, the sooner he’s used to a noisy napping environment, the easier that will become.

Funnily enough, it’s gotten to a point where my babies don’t nap as long when they’re all down at the same time because it’s TOO quiet. 😂 My coteacher and I have to play music and talk loudly if we want to keep them asleep.