Is this nursery arrangement unfair on dc?

Loads of people put their kids in nursery 5 days a week. You'll still get annual leave and unpaid parental leave is an option

This! My DS was full time from 6 months. Stayed there till he was at school The nursery staff were like extra family to him.

My DD1 went part time from 13 weeks . Hasn't caused her any harm. And she happily sends her own DC to nursery so couldn't have been a bad experience for her

My kids went full time from 1. I felt guilty but they were fine. You do what you have to do, and know that as a mum you’ll be considered at fault no matter what you do.

My twins were in nursery three days a week from 10 months until they were two and then four days a week until they started school. They enjoyed it and coped really well.

I'm another whose children were in nursery full time from a year old. Sometimes I think it was easier for them than the part timers.

It was just routine and they built up strong relationships with staff.

The are now adults/teens and thriving with great relationships with me and dh.

Five days a week is absolutely fine as long as it's a nice nursery and he's happy there, don't worry about it.

Mine were both full time from 6 months old. They are now happy easy going teenagers.

Your baby will be fine. Do full time and enjoy the weekends together

My DC1 was in childcare 5 days a week from 1 and my DC2 will be in nursery 4 days a week from 11 months.

I have to work, and my work would not allow me to go down to 3 days.

DC1 is absolutely fine.

Lots of kids go to nursery full time. It’s really not a big deal , it’s just life. They do loads of stuff you probably wouldn’t do at home, get used to a routine, learn friendships etc. I hate the way there is so much guilt around it. You’ve got a job, nursery is safe and secure care.

I appreciate that, as a mum, you constantly worry about your children and doing what's right and fair for them, but I think in this case your son will be fine. It'll be good preparation for when he starts school - and really, needs must. Mine were doing full time at that point, and we made it work.

I guess you could see if you could make one of the days a shorter day so that you can collect him early? Or request compressed hours, if your company allows it. It'll all work out - it's just settling into a new routine.

I don't live in the UK and here it's normal for kids to start full time in nursery from the age of 1. My two kids have actually been in nursery full time since 10 months old and they both love it - youngest just turned 2 in December. We have to do it because we can't afford to not work full time!

Of course children respond differently to being dropped off, some cry more than others, but my DH works in a nursery and he says they all tend to be totally fine shortly after the parent leaves. He also works with kids as young as one. They also get used to being around other kids and socialising in that sense from an early age, which I think is great. Though obviously I'd love to be able to be home with them more.

I know it's hard but I wouldn't feel guilty - it's what you have to do in order to provide for you and DC. You can always try it out and then if you're still struggling, try one of the other scenarios you mention you may be able to do.