How many days a week should he go in to nursery?

[sameb]

Im going back to work shortly and have deceided on a nursery, but im undecdided on how many days to put him in. I have to go back to work full time, but the thought of sending him 5 days a week is killing me. I do have a family friend that has offered to help, but she is in her 60's and im not sure if the novelty will wear off after a while, as will her stamina. Then Im worried , the nursery might not have all days avaialable.

For all you working mums, how often do yours go to nursery or do you spilt the childcare bewteen different providers?
Thanks

[num3onway]

I would say at least twice and make sure he doesn't have a long gap between days (eg only go nursery mon n tue) this should hopefully make his settling in easier

You could always start with two or three days and then increase as he gets older and your confidence in the setting grows

[num3onway]

Speak to the nursery about starting at a couple of days and then increasing to see if they can accommodate this

[oakleaf21]

My DD goes to nursery 3 full days, and I work 3 full days, i personally prefer her in the same place every day, so i know she is comfortable and familiar. And I dont have to worry about being in different places on different days.

[Finchley2013]

He'll be fine, many babies go to nursery from a young age, is the nursery very popular with a long waiting list? If so your better off putting him in full time if a full time space is available. From experience the younger they are the easier it is for them to settle! Good luck!

[sameb]

Its a great nursery, we have done our homework, I just wasnt sure if a combination of home care and nursery would benefit him more, maybe I will speak to the nursery and check what they have available, that may make my decision for me!

[CommanderShepard]

DD does 3 days per week at nursery and has done since just-under-1-year; she's 15mos now. I think she'd go every day if I let her...

How old is your son?

[Mamabear12]

I wouldnt worry about sending your baby 5 days a week, a lot of parents do this. I sent mine 5 full days a week to nursery since the age of 13 months and she absolutely loves it! Of course sometimes, they might resist at first and want to stay with you, but kids will do that even if you have a relative or family friend watching them. Of course they prefer to stay with you if they can! However, our daughter is ready to go out the door early in the morning bc she is now used to the routine of going to daycare, she has learned so much and is really thriving at her daycare.

Just make sure you pick on you like! I am happy with the one we send our daughter to. The staff are very friendly, good with the kids, give me an update every day on what she did, how she is doing etc.

[TinyTear]

5 days a week here and she loves it, been there since 8 months and is now 19 months...

[CheungFun]

I work 3 full days a week and DS goes to nursery these days. I prefer him going to nursery as I'm paying them, whereas if FIL looked after him (he did offer) he would ignore everything I say and do it all his way. DS enjoys nursery and I think the interaction with other children and adults is good for him and it's more fun than being stuck at home with boring old me all day every day!

[wishingforwillpower]

Our DS goes 5 days a week and has done since 10 months. He absolutely loves it and when we say "time to go to nursery" in the mornings now he picks up his favourite toy and goes and stands at the door ready to go! I think one consistent care giver is preferable to a mixture of different settings for our DS as its predictable and reliable. He has such a great time at nursery and has really benefitted from all the social interaction he gets there.

[Nagoo]

I'd prefer mine to be in nursery, she gets a lot out of it, and they really care for her as well as just looking after her IYSWIM.

For me it would be the cost that would stop me doing it, rather than doubts about the quality of care.

[Nagoo]

Also it's worth keeping the family friend back for ad hoc babysitting