How far ahead to look at child care?

[LadyMedea]

I'm 20 weeks pregnant with DC1 and already worried about childcare.

At the moment return to work plans are a bit up in the air as I'm not going to return to my current job - it's making me miserable. But planning as if I was going to take the standard 12 months off when should I start looking for a place?

[BrianTheMole]

Now. Depending on demand in your area. Where I live people put their babies names down before they are born to ensure they get the nursery they want.

[Nevercan]

Agreed its better to put your name down for what you think you might want than not at all. At least you can then refuse the place nearer the time if your plans/ideas change. My nearest preschool which I was hoping to put dd2 into is booked up for the next 2 years already!

[didireallysaythat]

12 week scan is the norm I think.