child care or home

[livtan]

i was just wondering how many of u send your little ones to daycare, i work couple days a week while mum minds my 7 month old , i was considering daycare....any feed back on under 12months in daycare would be helpful.....thanks!!!

[Fitmumma]

Hi
I have two little ones at home 2.5yrs & 9wks, they have never been to daycare, if I had to go back to work I would only trust my Mother to look after them, I have just heard to many bad stories & the thought of leaving them with total strangers is terrifying. If your Mum is happy to look after your baby I would stick to that, they are only little for such a short time, it is so much more important for them to be in a trusting, loving environment.
Sorry, its only my opinion, I just dont like the idea of babies in childcare!!!

[perrywinkle]

DH and I made a pack that we wouldn't send DS until he was 2yrs old. I even find it hard to leave him for his 1 day a week as I've worked in child care for 8yrs. I think 2 yrs old is a good age to send them their language skills are developed and they can explain to you what happened maybe. Do what you feel is right for you!!

[babylover111]

I think if you have the choice definately go with your mother if shes ok with it. I personally dont think theres anything wrong with childcare but at such a young age one on one interaction is important and i agree with perrywinkle around 2 is a good age for daycare, because they can talk and also for social interaction.

[bigglet]

I'm going to go against the grain here and say differently...

I work a couple of days a week and my (nearly) 6 month old spends 2 days (all day) at the childcare at my workplace and I LOVE it. I officially start next week but I have had a few days orientation there already and they are soooo nice and ask me lots of questions as to what she likes, her routines etc. I feel the care is very personal and the best thing about having her at the childcare centre is that I am able to come in every 3-4 hours to breastfeed her. I am VERY lucky to be able to do this - and for me personally being able to see her and know that she is close by (about 10 minute walk from my office) is very comforting for me. But of course it depends very much on the childcare centre and this one was very very nice.

My DD also spends 1 day a week at my mother's place and while I love her very much I personally don't think she listens to me as much as the childcare does. (but of course that's just our relationship! ) So of course it depends on your relationship with your mum.... but for my 2c worth I like the mix of childcare, mum-care and the rest of the time with me because my bub gets a good mix of everything including good socialisation with other children and carers. The childcare centre was telling me that they found children who started care at an earlier age were a lot more accomodating to change - say for instance in comparison to a toddler starting childcare for the first time.
So maybe if you wanted to you could put your little one into childcare for only a couple of days - just for a good mix - it also gave my mum some time off.

[Little Gorilla]

i was just wondering how many of u send your little ones to daycare, i work couple days a week while mum minds my 7 month old , i was considering daycare....any feed back on under 12months in daycare would be helpful.....thanks!!!

if you have the option - keep him with your mum.
its easier to keep him in a routine when its just one on one with your mum.
i kind of regret sending my son to daycare...I never felt 100% happy about it.
if I were you, don't do the daycare thing for as long as your mum is happy to look after him.
i think there is a lot of worry when you send an under 12 month old to day care - I worried all the time (although he did go to a very good place).
i just think if the choice was between my own mum and strangers...then go with family

[Harry&Max's Mummy]

Our eldest son was at d/care from 12 month of age 3 days a week and mum had him 2 days.
This will be the same when i return full time in Dec
Both boys will be with mum 2 days and day care 3 days. I feel its a good number for interaction. whilst i have been off on mat leave i have still had to sent DS1 to day care to keep his spot open for next year but he loves playing with the kids and i feel he needs it for his personality (very vibrant and go go go HAHA)

[Nickster]

If your Mum is happy to look after him, I would stick with that option for the time being - it's less disruptive to your baby - having Mummy away would be strange enough - and babies don't really care to be 'socialised' at that early age. It's often enough for them just to look at other babies and children from the security of their carer's lap. Another bonus is that having your Mum care for your baby is also a known quantity - you know exactly what you're getting.

I'd also presume your Mum caring for your baby would be a cheaper option too? And that's always good!

[NZMama]

I would definitely go with mum if you have the option.
Ive never lived near my mother when I had the kids so that wasnt an option for me. I was at Uni when I had DD in the last year of my bachelor degree and so put her into creche there. They were lovely. It was a nusery so once the children turned two they were sent to the daycare and then at 4 they were sent to the kindy. 3 diff buildings for the diff ages.....such a good idea. DD1 went into care at 6mnths, she had her own cot, her own carer (who she loved she would reach for her when we got there and not even look back lol) and they kept records of her entire day including movements in the nappy area.
However Im a bit apprehensive about putting DD2 into daycare as many have all the age groups together. I was thinking about going back to work when she turns 1 and maybe looking into home daycare for her. But we will see how things work out. i would prefer to leave it till she is 2 unless I can find a good nursery.