For most parents, dropping off their child at daycare is an act of trust. But the alleged horror that happened in Bengaluru has left many parents shocked and scared. This shocking incident is said to have taken place at a childcare facility of an IT company in Bengaluru. Videos that have gone viral purportedly show female caregivers physically abusing children. According to the complaint, the caretakers allegedly placed the children inside a front-loading washing machine, sprayed water into their mouths from the jet spray and locked them inside the bathroom. The children seen in the video are children of employees who relied on the daycare facility while at work. Based on the complaints, the police have now registered a case against five women. Although incidents like these are rare, they serve as a sobering reminder that parents need to look beyond the colorful classrooms, expensive amenities, and glowing reviews when choosing a daycare. Child safety experts say there are often subtle warning signs that indicate whether a child care center is truly safe and child-friendly. 8 red flags every parent should know before choosing a daycare. The caregiver-to-child ratio is very high. Research consistently shows that smaller group sizes and lower child-to-caregiver ratios are associated with better supervision, safe environments, and healthy emotional development. Ask how many children each caregiver is responsible for, especially in infant and toddler rooms. Daycares lack basic safety measures, look beyond the colorful walls. Are the electrical sockets covered? Are cleaning supplies locked out? Are the gates secure? Is the outdoor sports equipment well maintained? Childproofing is one of the first signs of a safety-conscious centre. While you are not allowed to tour the facility properly, parents should be encouraged to tour the daycare, observe the environment, and ask questions. If you’re rushed through the tour or prevented from seeing key areas, ask yourself what they’re trying to hide. The kids don’t look busy, start inspecting the daycare as soon as they enter. Check if children are interacting with caregivers or are they engaged with screens instead of reading, playing, and exploring? Caregivers do not interact warmly with children. Pay attention to the way you talk to children in your care. Are they consoling crying children, or getting down to eye level while speaking? Red flags will arise if caregivers appear impatient, rude, or distracted. Poor hygiene is visible. Research shows that good hygiene substantially reduces the spread of infection in childcare settings. See if caregivers wash their hands, toys are cleaned regularly, diaper changing areas are sanitized and food is handled safely. Ask about CCTV monitoring. Many daycare centers use CCTV as a selling point. However, parents need to think beyond this. Ask the people at the daycare about those CCTV monitors – who does it? How long is it stored or how can it be reviewed? You feel pressured to enroll right away If the daycare pressures you to pay without giving you enough time to ask questions, review policies, or visit again, take this as a warning sign. A reputable daycare understands that parents need time to make informed decisions. However, the incident in Bengaluru is extremely disturbing and no child or parent should have to go through such horror. However, it’s also a reminder to many parents that they have no choice but to rely on daycare. Here parents can become more aware and give priority to the safety of their child. Ask more questions, observe more closely, and choose child care centers that demonstrate transparency rather than gimmickry. When it comes to your child’s well-being, a little due diligence before enrollment can go a long way in ensuring that they are left in safe and nurturing hands.