When to Hit Pause on Daycare

There’s nothing like that morning daycare dilemma.

We’ve all had those mornings. Your child’s half-dressed, you’re already running late, and then they hit you with a sneeze, a strange rash, or a “my tummy hurts.” You pause—and wonder—are they well enough to go to daycare? Or is this one of those days we need to hit stop?

As a paediatric nurse consultant and a Mum of 2 young children myself, I get it. It’s not always a clear-cut call, especially when winter bugs seem to roll one into the next. But keeping your child home when they’re unwell does more than just protect their recovery—it helps reduce the spread to other children, educators, and families. It’s not about panic. It’s about prevention.

1. Vomiting or Diarrhoea = Rest, Rehydrate, Recover

This is one of the clearest signs that your child shouldn’t be at daycare. Gastrointestinal bugs are extremely contagious and spread quickly through shared toys, bathroom spaces, and even highchairs. If your child has vomited or had diarrhoea—even once—keep them home for at least 24 hours after their last episode.

During this time, focus on fluids and simple foods. Dehydration is a real risk in little ones, so offer small sips often. Think water, oral rehydration solutions, diluted juice, or icy poles if they’re refusing to drink.

2. Fever = Immune System in Overdrive

A fever means their body is actively fighting an infection. While some kids might seem relatively okay with a low-grade temp, many feel tired, cranky, or just “off.” Most centres require children to stay home until they’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without medication. If they’re needing Panadol or Nurofen to get through the day, that’s your sign they’re not ready to go back.

3. Conjunctivitis = Keep Those Eyes at Home

Red, sticky, watery eyes with a yellow or green discharge are classic signs of conjunctivitis. It’s easily spread through hands, toys, towels, and bedding. If your child is rubbing their eyes or waking with them stuck shut, they’re likely contagious and should stay home until treatment has started and the discharge is gone.

Pharmacists can help with over-the-counter eye drops (for kids over 2), or your GP may prescribe medicated treatment.

4. Thick Green or Yellow Snot = All Snot is Contagious and Full of Germs

A mild cough or runny nose isn’t always a reason to stay home, especially during winter when colds are common. But if your child has thick green or yellow mucus, especially with a persistent cough, they’re still fighting off an infection—and could pass it on to others.

Watch for signs like laboured breathing, irritability, or if they’re struggling to sleep or eat. In these cases, keeping them home for rest (and reducing germ spread) is the best call.

5. A New Rash = Pause and Get it Checked

Not all rashes are contagious—but many are. Rashes that appear suddenly or come with other symptoms like fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite should be assessed before your child returns to care. Conditions like Hand, Foot and Mouth, viral rashes, and even impetigo (school sores) are common in daycare-aged kids and need time at home to recover.

Always check with your GP if you’re unsure. Better safe than sorry—especially if other children at the centre are immunocompromised.

6. Unusual Behaviour or ‘Off’ Days = Trust Your Gut

Even without a fever or cough, you know when something’s not quite right. Maybe your child is unusually clingy, refusing food, tearful, or struggling to get through the morning routine. They may not meet the “sick enough” checklist, but they still need you—and probably a quiet day to rest and recharge.

Early rest can stop minor symptoms from becoming something more serious. And sometimes, a day on the couch with cuddles and calm is the best medicine.

Why Staying Home Matters

Daycares are vibrant, busy environments filled with shared surfaces, group play, and little immune systems still learning the ropes. Bugs don’t just pass from child to child—they also impact educators, staff, and families. When we choose to keep our own unwell children home, we’re helping protect the whole community.

More importantly, we’re giving our child the time and space their body needs to properly heal. Resting before they're fully recovered can reduce complications, support their immune function, and help them bounce back stronger.

The Sick Sense Approach

You don’t need to fix everything or make a diagnosis—you just need a system.

Let your child rest when they’re unwell. Support hydration. Keep them home when symptoms signal contagiousness or distress. And trust your Sick Sense. You know your child.

At The Sick Sense, we’re here to help take the guesswork out of paediatric health. These decisions don’t have to be complicated—and you don’t have to make them alone.